Discusses the process of learning to construct and interpret representations from a social practice perspective. If students need to construct tables and graphs to complete a project report in mathematics or science, they can learn to consider whether these forms are effective at communicating important information. If students merely complete…

Describes an activity in which students use data analysis and mathematical modeling to obtain insight into a geometrical question. Explores a simple case of the isoperimetric inequalities. (KHR)

Describes a lesson plan that instructs third graders to use graphs. Explains learning objectives, motivating students, conducting a class activity that includes graph construction, and concluding and evaluating the lesson. Lists materials needed. (GG)

Computer software with graphic representations of functions can teach algebraic concepts, or can blur or obscure concepts of great importance. Making good use and bad use of visual imagery are each discussed. Then a general theory of interpretation of graphs is proposed, and a list of examples is presented. (MNS)

Describes the use of the TI-82 graphics calculator as an intermediate step in introducing computers to the high-school physics lab. Discusses linking the calculator with other machines so that students can save data, enter programs on a computer and later download to the calculator, and transfer graphs to a computer for printing. (JRH)

Discussed is a method of approximating the roots of a quadratic that allows the discovery of relationships between parabolas and circles and between the use of geometry and algebra. Included are the procedure and justification of the method. (KR)

Described is a computer software package suitable for teaching and research in the area of multicomponent vapor-liquid equilibrium. This program, which has a complete database, can accomplish phase-equilibrium calculations using various models and graph the results. (KR)

The difficulties and misconceptions that many students experience when learning to visualize graphs of functions are discussed. Specifically, the inability to make accurate connections between symbolic and graphical representations, the lack of understanding about scale and scaling, and the confusion caused by transformations are examined with…

A tissue culture experiment that does not require elaborate equipment and that can be used to teach sterile technique, the principles of animal cell line maintenance, and the concept of cell growth curves is described. The differences between cancerous and normal cells can be highlighted. The procedure is included. (KR)

Discusses a classroom presentation using a Tonka toy truck's forward and backward motion that (1) develops a graphical representation of the truck's one-dimensional motion; (2) creates graphs representing constant velocity; (3) leads students to a definition of average velocity; and (4) introduces the concept of instantaneous velocity. (MDH)

Describes the construction of an exponential decay graph that can be used in a science class to support discussions about the uses of radioactivity, its risks, limitations, and advantages. (WRM)

This article describes three engaging introductions for topics on a Cartesian graph and the distributive property. (Contains 3 figures.)

Several studies have shown the difficulties students encounter in making sense of situations involving rate of change. This study concerns how students discover errors and refine their knowledge when working with rate of change. The part of the study reported here concerns the responses of four precalculus students to a task which asked them to…

Presented is a graphical approach to teaching higher degree, rational function, and absolute value inequalities that simplifies the solution of these inequalities and thereby reduces the amount of classroom time that has to be devoted to this topic. Applications are also given for signum functions, maximum-minimum, and points of inflection…

The results of a questionnaire designed to investigate Puerto Rican students' attitudes toward learning English show that there is a predominantly positive attitude toward English-as-a-second language in the Puerto Rican town studied in this survey. The questionnaires solicit information from students in grades five through eight concerning…