Since slope is a fundamental topic that is embedded throughout the U.S. secondary school curriculum, this study examined standards documents for all 50 states to determine how they address the concept of slope. The study used eleven conceptualizations of slope as categories to classify the material in the documents. The findings indicate that all…

The mathematics curriculum of the 18th and 19th centuries is discussed with particular emphasis on arithmetic and algebra. Comparisons with current practices are made. Sample pages from several early textbooks are reproduced. (SD)

Reports on a survey investigating the current status of calculator use in classrooms and schools. Results indicate that the prevailing policy in the sample of high schools is to allow the use of calculators during classroom learning activities and tests. Policies regarding calculators with symbolic algebra capabilities were still not determined.…

Research on student achievement within the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP) and Core-Plus Mathematics Project (CPMP) at the secondary level is beginning to accumulate, however, much less is known about how prepared these students are for post-secondary education. Therefore this study involving students within one tracked…

Investigated why elementary and secondary school students in Utah like science and whether there are differences in reasons why they like science subjects related to their age, sex, and type of school. The non-random sample included 815 students (grades 6-8), 499 students (grades 9-10), and 541 students (grades 11-12). (JN)

Five puzzles in which mathematical terms must be found in arrays of letters are presented. (SD)

Reanalyzes the terminal secondary student performance data in the International Study of Achievement in Mathematics (ISAM), comparing achievement of United States students to that of students from the other developed countries in the ISAM. (JN)

Pick's Theorem, a statement of the relationship between the area of a polygonal region on a lattice and its interior and boundary lattice points, is familiar to those whose students have participated in activities and discovery lessons using the geoboard. The proof presented, although rather long, is well within the grasp of the average geometry…

Discusses ways to use technique of Zen in teaching science. Involves considering phenomena from a new perspective. (SLH)

A model, easily constructed by students, is used to assist in seeking basic Pythagorean identities used to prove more complex ones. (MNS)

Graphing techniques are used to demonstrate the inverse function theorem and that the graph of the inverse function can be obtained by flipping the graph about the line y=x. (MP)

Described is the experience in two schools with the adoption of two science curricula, The Man-Made World and The Technology-People-Environment. The success and difficulties with the programs are discussed. (MP)

Presents activities to demonstrate that current technology allows readily accessible representations in algebraic, numeric, and geometric forms. Argues that integrating these different representations into the curriculum helps students to think more critically about systems. Discusses problem solving using multiple representations, equivalent…

Discusses area, perimeter, the Pythagorean Theorem, surface area, and volume with regard to the use or nonuse of units of linear measure. (MKR)

This study demonstrated that abstracts composed with the aid of a computer were rated higher than those without a computer. Categories assessed included spelling/punctuation, organization/design, sentence structure, clarity, and overall quality. Subjects were 68 students participating in the 1984 Secondary Student Training (SST) Research Program…