Instructional resources that employ multiple representations have become commonplace in mathematics classrooms. This study will present computer software, LaborScale which was designed to improve seventh grade students' word problem-solving skills through computer-based multiple representations including graphic, symbolic, and audio…

Proposes activities that promote students' awareness of the structure of the information involved in their everyday activities, and builds the concept of function from students' mental representations of phenomena. Recommends the use of spreadsheets to provide external representations of these functions. (DDR)