This experiment investigates the effectiveness of Excel spreadsheets in a high school algebra class. Students in the experiment group convincingly outperformed the control group on a post lesson assessment. The student responses, teacher observations involving Excel spreadsheet revealed that it operated as a mindtool, which formed the users'…

This case study investigated the impact of a spreadsheet (EXCEL) exploration on the understanding of statistical graphs among twenty Singapore secondary school students of average ability. Four EXCEL templates were constructed to allow students to explore four aspects of statistical graphs: zero in scale, effect of different scales, size…

Designs a set of spreadsheet-supported activities to examine how preservice and inservice teachers behave in an exploratory computer setting, thus providing clues capable of informing the design of other learning opportunities using this technological tool. Describes the content of the activities devised and some of the strategies used by teachers…

Reports on the results of a project that involved experienced K-12 teachers in mathematical modeling, using variables and functions in a fundamental and intuitive context, while investigating the appropriateness of spreadsheet solution methods across a broad range of grade levels. (14 references) (LZ)

Presents ideas for using a spreadsheet to reinforce teaching of enumerative combinatories in the secondary mathematics classroom. (PR)

This study proposes a model for training inservice science teachers to teach with electronic spreadsheets. A case study in which this model was implemented by 16 biology teachers during a training period and 3 teachers during an induction period is described. (LZ)

Spreadsheets have become popular tools for exploring mathematical patterns and building conceptual understanding of variables and functional relationships. Presents examples of students' work to illustrate multiple paths of inquiry, generalization, and mathematical reasoning. Supports effective investigation of patterns and functions for students…

Presented are ideas for the utilization of Microsoft Works in the secondary mathematics classroom. The spreadsheet and graphing capabilities of this software package are demonstrated for several topics including the concept of slope for first year algebra, and creating and interpreting graphs for a general mathematics class. (Author/CW)

Describes two general spreadsheet templates to carry out all types of one-equation chemical equilibrium calculations encountered by students in undergraduate chemistry courses. Algorithms, templates, macros, and representative examples are presented to illustrate the approach. (PR)

Presented are several simple kinetic systems together with the spreadsheets used to solve them. A set of exercises in chemical kinetics appropriate for an introductory course in physical chemistry is given. Error propagation calculations with experimental data are illustrated. (CW)

Suggests that using the iconic and computing features of a spreadsheet enhances the transition from natural language sentences to pictorial and numerical representations of algebraic word problems. Presents work performed in a lab setting with preservice and inservice teachers enrolled in contemporary general mathematics and problem-solving…

This article attempts to extend current research and development activities related to the use of technology in problem posing, to early grades mathematics. It is motivated by the authors' work with elementary preservice teachers toward this goal, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. New York State Learning Standards for K-4 mathematics…