In recent years, evidence that traditional approaches are ineffective in teaching physics concepts has prompted the development of alternative approaches to student learning. One such approach, which has been the focus of work at the Center for Science and Mathematics Teaching at Tufts University, Massachusetts, is an active, discovery-based laboratory curriculum supported by real-time microcomputer-based laboratory tools. This approach affords significant changes in the laboratory learning environment. However, it requires large numbers of computers, interfaces, and laboratory space, which means that it is not suitable for every establishment. An active learning environment based on the discovery-based curriculum at Tufts that is suitable for the lecture hall was therefore developed. The application of this program, called "Tools for Scientific Thinking Microcomputer-Based Interactive Lecture Demonstrations," at Tufts and the University of Oregon is discussed.