Discovery learning is one of the instructional strategies sometimes used to teach Algebra I. However, little research is available that includes investigation of the effects of incorporating the graphing calculator technology with discovery learning. This study was initiated to investigate two instructional approaches for teaching slope of a line…

The author and his first-year algebra students explored the quadratic behavior behind the parabolic shape of fountains at the local family splash park. This hands-on discovery project has three main parts: (1) gathering data by experimenting with and photographing the fountains; (2) analyzing the photographs to obtain numerical data; and (3)…

Calculators are seen to shift the student focus in problem-solving situations from "how to do it" to "what to do," by keeping computation from standing in the way when pupils write or solve problems. (MP)

Worksheets designed to help students explore factoring integers are presented. (MP)

Using De Moivre's theorem and a parametric graphing utility, examines powers and roots of complex numbers and allows students to establish connections between the visual and numerical representations of complex numbers. Provides a program to numerically verify the roots of complex numbers. (MDH)

A sample problem shows some pitfalls in approximating square roots when working with calculators or computers. (MP)

The calculator is used to help students discover the Rule of 72 which is, in turn, used to investigate problems involving population, inflation, and energy reserves. (MP)

An exploration approach with calculators that promotes student investigation and development of mathematical processes and concepts is highlighted. The presentation helps to highlight the enormous potential of calculators to facilitate new and imaginative approaches to certain areas of number work, and shows how student interest is promoted. (MP)

An example of a lesson involving calculators that focused on calculator use is given. An examination of the traditional algorithm by the students led to student-directed investigations. (MP)

These exercises are designed to expose students to the nature and effects of inflation and consumption rates. Pupils are expected to see how long it takes for costs to increase to certain levels, and how quickly various growth rates can deplete a finite resource. Worksheets suitable for duplication are provided. (MP)

Calculators that have the constant arithmetic feature are promoted, and examples of ways this feature can be used in lessons are presented. (MP)

Presents several problems that use calculator or computer-generated graphs of the absolute value function as related to the maximum and minimum functions to illustrate the statistical concepts of range, median, mean, and variance. (MDH)

Consideration of a definite integral in an advanced calculus class led to a great deal of mathematical thinking and to the joy of discovery. Graphing calculators allowed students to investigate quick solutions which should be regarded as stepping stones to additional investigation and rigorous proof. With slight modifications to their proofs,…

This document is a collection of reports presented at a programable calculator symposium held in Seattle, Washington, in April, 1980, as part of the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The session was designed to review whether the programable calculator has a place in the school mathematics program, in light…

Uses a discovery lesson for determining the area of an equilateral triangle given a side length as an illustration of how to introduce features of the TI-92 graphing calculator geometry package within a mathematical context. (KHR)