Teaching Basic Mechanics With Computer Algebra, Sophia and Maple (M. Lesser) The standard approach to using computer algebra in basic mechanics courses has been to apply a standard CAS such as Maple to carry out calculations in calculator mode or with some programming built around the specific example or problem being examined. Another approach is to use the CAS as a foundation on which one builds a tool kit of routines that allows the student to set up the algorithm for the solution of general classes of mechanics problems. Sophia is the name of such a tool kit, developed at the Royal Institute, for teaching both basic and advanced mechanics. It has for the most part been implemented as an addition to Maple, however versions have also been produced to work in other CAS. The constructs used in Sophia are designed to have pedagogical significance and when useful, an infix structure similar to that used in working with paper and pencil. Details, such as change of frames, are done automatically. The advanced version allows use of modern algorithms, such as Kane's equations, for treating multibody nonholonomic systems with complex constraints. In this lecture the main features of Sophia and examples of how they are used in basic mechanics education will be demonstrated. Only slight reference will be made to more advanced applications. The software and tutorial information is also available at the web site http://www.mech.kth.se/~mlesser Reference: M. Lesser The Analysis of Complex Nonlinear Mechanical Systems, a computer algebra based approach. World Scientific Press.