The refraction problem, well-known in calculus and physics, continues to reveal new insights. This paper presents a geometric solution in which the trammel of Archimedes plays the prominent role. When properly configured, the trammel generates an ellipse and its family of normal lines. One normal line in particular intersects the boundary…

A small class of functions is described that easily lend themselves to two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations at the basic calculus level. The intended audience is those educators involved in the instruction of elementary calculus. This note is an educational piece that begins with the question: "What happens if a function defined on…

Purpose: The purpose of this scientific monograph is to show new and creative approaches to different school subjects in primary and secondary level. Methodology: Interdisciplinary and international comparative approaches were used. Now according to the 7th Framework Program, the preferred form of Science Education (www.scientix.eu) is preferred…

Described is an investigation into how the use of LOGO programing language affects children's basic knowledge of an angle. Findings indicate that children make erroneous adjustments to their conceptual knowledge of angle to accommodate the results of acquired procedural interaction with the computer. (Author/CW)

Provides examples of such statistical graphs as line, bar, picture and pie. Suggests uses of Logo Turtle Graphics in graph construction. Includes several program procedures for creating designs with the computer. (RT)

The paper explores changes in technology that have implications for the teaching and learning of school mathematics. To this end, it examines aspects of interactive mathematical textbooks; specifically it analyzes functions authors may intend to be carried out by embedded interactive diagrams. The paper analyzes theoretical as well as practical…

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)

This unit is designed to acquaint elementary students with the way a computer operates and the way people communicate with computers. The format of the unit was designed so that the instruction can be provided by the classroom teacher. The lessons are constructed so that, with some teacher guidance, the students can work through them step by step.…

Provides examples from elementary mathematics principles which illustrate some of the advantages of an interactive mouse-driven animation. Explains the effectiveness of this approach with exercises dealing with a plane of waves and quadratic formulas. (ML)

The production and application of images based on fractal geometry are described. Discussed are fractal language groups, fractal image coding, and fractal dialects. Implications for these applications of geometry to mathematics education are suggested. (CW)

A nonconventional graphical way to represent functions (the Parallel Axes Representation) is discussed. A computerized environment designed to support the exploration of the representation of linear functions is described. The didactical potential of this representation is illustrated. (CW)

At some point in their education, pre-engineering students will take physics and/or calculus. For many freshmen who aren't certain about their career paths, taking these courses is a litmus test to determine whether they have the aptitude or desire to pursue an engineering degree. Therein lies the challenge for many students in the U.S. Science,…

This series of units is designed to help middle, junior high, and high school students use LOGO computer language as a tool to explore concepts in geometry, estimation and problem solving. The format of the unit was designed so that the instruction can be provided by the classroom teacher. The lessons are constructed so that, with some teacher…

Describes how Logo computer simulations, or microworlds, were incorporated into a series of lessons on the nature of probability. Data were generated and displayed using Logo. (MKR)

Described are examples of classroom exercises that use interactive graphics software for personal computers to enhance the teaching of statistical concepts by allowing students to generate multiple examples, make conjectures, and verify their findings about the concept. The transfer of this interactive tool to other subject areas is suggested.…