This paper introduces the language associated with a polygon microworld called Polygon R&D, which has the mathematical crispness of Logo and has the discreteness and simplicity of a Turing machine. In this microworld, polygons serve two purposes: as agents (similar to the turtles in Logo), and as data (landmarks in the plane). Programming the…

Describes laboratory-oriented software programs that are short, time-saving, eliminate computational errors, and not found in public domain courseware. Program availability for IBM and Apple microcomputers is included. (RT)

The computer is not just a teaching tool, but a teaching medium. Purchase of appropriate software to achieve worthwhile instructional goals is essential. There are several software titles for elementary school educators to consider seriously in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Included is a sampler of effective elementary…

This book is designed to provide elementary and middle school teachers with motivating problem-solving activities to use with their students. The text contains interesting and challenging problems from mathematics, language arts, social studies, and natural science which are divided into sections of activities of short, middle, and longer duration…

Notes muMATH is a powerful computer algebra systems assistant for performing symbol manipulation in algebra and calculus. Provides several examples and program listings for calculus tutoring, differentiation drill problems, and integration drill problems. (MVL)

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

Some scientists and science educators believe that the most effective strategy for raising science literacy among future workers and voters is to focus on the youngest members of the public. The reviews in this publication were undertaken to increase public understanding and appreciation of the importance and promise of the methods of science in…

Provides a program listing in True BASIC which constructs several kinds of matrices: (1) matrices with integral entries that have inverses that have integral entries; (2) matrices with integral entries that have inverses that are rational numbers with reasonable denominators; and (3) matrices with integral entries and prescribed integer…

Presents comments by classroom teachers on courseware for teaching science. Materials include forests, heart anatomy and physiology, balancing a series of numbers on a lever, the scientific method, ecology, and fire prevention. Availability, suggested grade level, and costs are provided. (RT)

A FORTRAN program is provided for use with computer projects for a course in number theory. Uses diminishing functions and the speed of the computer to quickly determine possible solutions to problems. (MVL)

Presented are some current facts about symbol manipulators and their relation to high school mathematics. The development of computer algebra systems is discussed. Five areas of computer algebra needing investigation (skill proficiency, understanding, curriculum content, student homework, and equity) are identified. (MVL)

Provides reviews of courseware entitled: "Mystery Matter," which is a series that supplements the basic inquiry process; "Jumping Math Flash," which is an arcade-game program with arithmetic problems; and "Quest for Files: Science Rocks and Minerals The Upper Crust," which is a database program for earth science.…

Identifies and proves two theorems related to expressing rational numbers in decimal form for any natural base m>1. Includes two BASIC computer programs with sample runs. (MVL)

Offers several LOGO programs to study the behavior of simple nonlinear systems. Suggests that LOGO is an excellent tool for studying chaotic systems. Offers suggestions for different forms of LOGO. Builds upon programs presented in a previous article. (MVL)

Describes a successful school model that is piloting computer hardware and software while reviewing and modifying classroom strategies and instructional techniques. Discusses the purpose of the school and a typical day of instruction. Lists results for the fifth and sixth grades. (MVL)