Describes numerical differentiation and the central difference formula in numerical analysis. Presents three computer programs that approximate the first derivative of a function utilizing the central difference formula. Analyzes conditions under which the approximation formula is exact. (MDH)

This collection of articles and features reprinted from "The Computing Teacher" begins with an outline (the table of contents) of a 20-session course, "Logo in the Classroom," by Shirley Torgerson, Mary Kay Kriley, and Janet Stone. The text of the first session and a student exercise sheet are also provided. Five articles…

Described is a strategy that allows students to experiment with probability without applying formulas to solve problems. Students are able to intuitively develop concepts of probability before formal definitions and properties. Sample problems are included along with BASIC programs for some of the problems. (KR)

A computer program that simulates the random evolution of a metabolic pathway is given. The program shows that natural selection preserves favorable traits if they occur in a specific sequence. (KR)

Routines developed for an ongoing course in research methods and statistics provides examples of the custom instructional applications that can be created using extended BASIC and a light pen, including title and transition displays, progressive disclosure, animation, overlays, and simulations. Strengths of this technique are reviewed. (MBR)

Discussed are several different transformations based on the generation of fractals including self-similar designs, the chaos game, the koch curve, and the Sierpinski Triangle. Three computer programs which illustrate these concepts are provided. (CW)

Discusses activities to help students make visual generalizations about power and exponential functions, methods to determine an approximate function represented by data using logarithms, hands-on activities, and student activity sheets. Includes a Pascal Turbo computer program which generates random numbers. (MKR)

Evaluates MUSICSHAPES, a graphic music construction software program which manipulates sound in terms of pitch, rhythm, timbre, and sequence to help students create complex synthesizer compositions. Intended for ages eight to adult, the program utilizes Apple II computers and additional hardware. Discusses how MUSICSHAPES can be used effectively…

Focuses on the place of discrete mathematics in the grades 9-12 mathematics curriculum and discusses how the topic of recursion should be taught. Presents several examples of recursion involving LOGO, spreadsheets, sequences, Pascal's triangle, and the Tower of Hanoi to illustrate its teaching. (MDH)

Presents the Morris Loe Angle Trisection Approximation Method to introduce students to areas of mathematics where approximations are used when exact answers are difficult or impossible to obtain. Examines the accuracy of the method using the laws of sines and cosines and a BASIC computer program that is provided. (MDH)

Described are materials developed to add to existing complex-number units and how they have been used in second-year algebra and precalculus classes. Discussed is software developed, objectives, and classroom materials. Two worksheets are included. A computer program is provided. (CW)

Discussed are solutions to the problem "What is the expected number of rolls for the total first to exceed 6?" Several algebraic solutions are presented. A computer program which may be used to simulate this problem is included. (CW)

Describes the use of simulation to introduce the bootstrapping technique of creating confidence intervals for the mean, median, and variance. These bootstrap confidence intervals are compared to the traditional confidence intervals for the purpose of analyzing accuracy of the technique. A Minitab program to produce confidence intervals is…

Uses muMATH to illustrate the step-by-step process in translating mathematical theory into the symbolic manipulation setting. Shows an application of a Picard iteration which uses a computer to generate a sequence of functions which converge to a solution. (MVL)

Explores alternative strategies to solve algebraic equations that do not lend themselves to traditional methods. Examines one nontraditional equation by a graphical approach using a graphing utility and by a numerical approach using spreadsheets. Discusses new basic skills for algebra utilizing technology. Provides a computer program to solve…