AtariLab

AtariLab was a science education program developed by Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) and distributed by Atari, Inc. in the early 1980s. The program consisted of hardware sensors and accompanying software for the Atari 8-bit family of home computers (such as the Atari 800 and Atari 800XL). The purpose of AtariLab was to allow students to conduct real-world scientific experiments and collect data using a computer, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

The initial AtariLab product was AtariLab Temperature Module and Software. This kit included a temperature sensor connected to an interface module that plugged into the Atari computer's cartridge port. The software allowed students to collect temperature readings over time, display the data in graphical form, and analyze the results.

Following the success of the temperature module, a AtariLab Light Module and Software was also released, providing similar data collection and analysis capabilities for light intensity.

AtariLab represented an early attempt to integrate computer technology into science education. It allowed students to perform experiments, visualize data, and explore scientific concepts in a more engaging and interactive way than traditional methods. While the AtariLab program was short-lived due to the collapse of the home computer market in the mid-1980s, it is remembered as an innovative and influential contribution to educational technology. Its approach paved the way for future generations of computer-based science education tools.