Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Described are activities in the study of techniques used to conceal the meanings of messages and data. Some background information and two BASIC programs that illustrate the algorithms used in a new cryptographic system called "public-key cryptography" are included. (CW)

Discusses a problem involving probability and uncertainty that students can investigate experimentally or theoretically and transforms the problem to a two-player game so that students can be introduced to some fundamental concepts of decision making. Includes computer programs used to analyze the problems. (MKR)

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

Focuses on the place of discrete mathematics in the grades 9-12 mathematics curriculum and discusses how the topic of recursion should be taught. Presents several examples of recursion involving LOGO, spreadsheets, sequences, Pascal's triangle, and the Tower of Hanoi to illustrate its teaching. (MDH)

Young children are interested in and capable of building a mathematics foundation at a very early age. Computer software allows children easy access to math. This software consists of seven activities for ages two to five years. These seven activities emphasize numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, patterns, problem solving, size, and…

Explores alternative strategies to solve algebraic equations that do not lend themselves to traditional methods. Examines one nontraditional equation by a graphical approach using a graphing utility and by a numerical approach using spreadsheets. Discusses new basic skills for algebra utilizing technology. Provides a computer program to solve…

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)

Described is a research-based instructional technique for teaching analogical reasoning by the use of guided LOGO programing activities. An example worksheet is provided illustrating the use of the Sternberg's four-step analogical reasoning technique (encode, infer, map, and apply) with LOGO programs. (Author/MDH)

Discusses the process of mathematical iteration, its benefits as a problem-solving technique, and how to teach it. Presents a selection of mathematical ideas and problems that can be solved and explored using iteration, along with related BASIC computer programs. (MDH)

Examines the use of the computer to approximate the value of the definite integral normally calculated by mathematical means. Presents four examples using BASIC programs to approximate single and double integrals by numerical integration and the Monte Carlo method. Programs are provided. (MDH)

Uses a graphing calculator to predict the record for running a mile, throwing a shot put, and high jumping for any year in the future and the probable record for any year before statistics were kept, based on the statistical analysis of prior records. Data tables and a computer program are provided. (MDH)

Utilizes LOGO to teach the concept of inequalities by programing the turtle to take random walks in the coordinate plane restricted to predetermined regions defined by inequalities. The students task is to discover the inequalities that define the illegal areas into which the turtle must not move. Provides examples and corresponding computer…

In this middle school mathematics unit two imaginary characters, Horatio and Portia, decide to make their fortune in Quincy Market (Boston, Massachusetts) running a Bull Market cart. In order to solve the problems that they encounter, they need to learn ratio and proportion, map reading, estimation, area and perimeter, population sampling, problem…

States the objectives and implementation procedures for this teacher-directed or individualized learning discovery unit. Describes the value of the program and additional activities that can be included. Shows a copy of the program. (RT)