This paper presents a series of illustrative LEGO Mindstorms-based science and math activities, developed under an NSF GK-12 Fellows project, for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The activities, developed by engineering and science graduate Fellows in partnership with K-12 teachers, are grade appropriate, address pertinent learning…

Over the past decade, research on the use of technology in the mathematics classroom has focused primarily on issues of student learning and engagement. In this article, we focus on middle grades mathematics teachers' use of The Geometer's Sketchpad, and study both the decisions they make about when to use technology, and their motivations for…

Presents a mathematics activity that teaches binary code. (YDS)

Uses a Calculator-Based Ranger and a graphing calculator in problem-solving mode to introduce an exploration of graphing-related concepts including intercepts, slopes, and rate of change. (YDS)

Many students have difficulties in interpreting position versus time graphs. Presents an activity involving calculator-based motion labs that allows students to bring these graphs to life by turning their own motion into a graph that can be analyzed, investigated, and interpreted in terms of how they actually moved. (ASK)

Offers teaching suggestions for activities using the TI-73 graphing calculator in middle schools. Topics include the number line, data handling, and algebraic thinking. (MM)

Describes the use of the TI-73 calculator to support and enhance the teaching of mathematics with 9-11 year old students. Topics include equivalent fractions, algebra, and data handling. (MM)

This paper discusses uses of TI-73 graphing calculators for middle school mathematics students. It indicates that with the appropriate use of the TI-73, students can develop understanding about variables and basic concepts of algebra, and explore mathematical topics. Background on middle school students' difficulties with those subjects is…

Provides an historical look at probability games of chance and some of the mathematicians involved in the development of basic concepts. Includes exploratory activities for students. (YDS)

Presents a game to capture student interest in probability by giving them an opportunity to explore the idea of various outcomes and the likelihood of the occurrence of one of those outcomes to explain the benefits of using a large sample rather than a small one. (ASK)

Begins with some context setting on new views of statistics and statistical education reflected in the introduction of exploratory data analysis (EDA) into the statistics curriculum. Introduces a detailed example of an EDA learning activity in the middle school that makes use of the power of the spreadsheet to mediate students' construction of…

Uses spreadsheets and programmable calculators to investigate limiting behavior in number patterns. (YDS)

Describes two activities that involve thinking of slope as rate of change. Uses a calculator-based laboratory, graphing calculator, appropriate probes, and web sites to make the concepts of slope and y-intercept come alive for middle grade students. (ASK)

Describes how probability is treated in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) "Principles and Standards of School Mathematics". (YDS)

This book presents a numerical problem-solving environment for middle grade students using the computerized spreadsheet. It offers a package of spreadsheet models and suggested activities that promote student thinking with numbers. (ASK)