When the author first started teaching twenty years ago, he thought that as long as he was using dynamic geometry software (DGS) for students to "discover" conjectures instead of them learning the conjectures from a lecture or the textbook, he was maximizing their learning potential because they were using technology. Over the years, he…

Context is what makes mathematical modeling tasks different from more traditional textbook word problems. Math problems are sometimes stripped of context as they are worked on. For modeling problems, however, context is important for making sense of the mathematics. The task should be brought back to its real-world context as often as possible. In…

Calculus, perhaps more than other areas of mathematics, has a reputation for being steeped with procedures. In fact, through the years, it has been noticed of many students getting caught in the trap of trying to memorize algorithms and rules without developing associated concept knowledge. Specifically, students often struggle with the…

This article describes an activity for secondary mathematics students using digital imaging on The Geometer's Sketchpad to model polar functions of flowers. The activity presented in the appendix engages students in learning and exploring the polar coordinate system while helping them analyze a real-world situation. By completing this activity,…

This article describes explorations using The Geometer's Sketchpad for algebra and calculus content.

Played in university classes for preservice teachers as well as in middle and high schools, the River Crossing Game depends on the sum of tosses of two fair dice. This paper describes the game as well as some lines of thinking about winning strategies, which are not obvious even with an understanding of the overall distribution for the sum of two…

Some of the graphing capabilities of The Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) in the "Technology Tips" are introduced. The new graphing features of GSP allow teachers to implement the software not only in geometry classrooms but also into their algebra, precalculus and calculus classes.

Presented is an interactive Applesoft BASIC program that graphically demonstrates the central limit theorem. It can be used as the basis of a lab to illustrate the main conclusions of the theorem. (MNS)

Discusses the concepts of fractals, fractal dimension, and the generation of fractals in LOGO. Provides diagrams of several fractals and their LOGO programs. Lists eight references. (YP)

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)

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)

Describes an activity to solve an applied problem using a random-number-based simulation. Provides objectives, prerequisites, directions, extensions, answers, a computer program, and worksheets for the activity. Six references are listed. (YP)

Described is a solution to the problem and a discussion of a computer estimation of the probability. A computer program written in Turbo Pascal and two sample runs are provided. Computations for a more general problem of this nature and changes in the program necessary for use with Apple Pascal are appended. (CW)

The author suggests that spreadsheet computer programs can be an effective tool in the mathematics classroom. In addition to being used to solve many real-world problems, spreadsheets can be used to promote understanding of concepts and principles from geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. (PK)

Reviews of the courseware "Discovery! Experiences with Scientific Reasoning" and "Guess My Rule" are given. Discusses the accompanying manuals, the relative ease of use, and content of the programs. (PK)