Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a classroom exercise to examine the distribution of toxic release sites in Queens, New York. Creates a series of maps to examine the relationship between the locations of known toxic releases and demographic factors such as race, education, income levels, and linguistic isolation. (Contains 47…

Explains the potential of computer technology in science education and argues for integrating bioinformatics into the biology curriculum. Describes three modules designed to introduce students to technological advancements in biology. Aims to develop a better understanding of molecular biology among students. (YDS)

Presents the initial work that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has done to integrate solid modeling throughout the engineering curriculum. Aims to provide students the opportunity to use their solid modeling skills in several courses and show students how solid modeling tools can be used to help solve a variety of engineering problems.…

Introduces some alternatives for preparing and viewing computer aided design (CAD) graphics for Internet output on a budget, without the fear of copyright infringement, and without having to go back to college to learn a complex graphic application. (Author/YDS)

Reports on a study replicating and extending a previous study examining the effects of the TI-92 graphics calculator and calculus instruction on students' success in calculus. Finds that students using a TI-92 had significantly better performance on the final exam and overall course grade than students using other calculators, and student-centered…

Describes the development of an introductory course that exposes mathematical sciences majors to a full range of issues that most practicing statisticians may face including data acquisition, design of experiments, use of theory, and formal writing. Provides a summary of laboratories and student perspectives. (Author/MM)

Describes how the sound card of a personal computer can be used to collect data in physics experiments. Discusses gravity and simple waveforms. (Author/MM)

Provides a qualitative description of what happened to 10th grade students' attitudes and cognitive development when learning algebra using Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). Chronicles the frustrations, changes in attitude, motivation, determination, and improvements in cognitive development of algebraic concepts over the course of the six-week…

Focuses on two teachers who had made no use of DERIVE with their classes but who agreed to make regular use of DERIVE with one of their classes over the course of one year. Presents teachers' accounts of what they did. Discusses time issues in using DERIVE, the use of materials, pressures on teachers that influence their use of DERIVE, and the…

Describes the outcomes and discusses possible implications for the development of assessment with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) when a group of undergraduate mathematics students, familiar with using a CAS in examinations, tackled an assortment of traditional (i.e., non-CAS type) questions. (Author/MM)

Identifies a number of algebraic constructs that emerge from conducting investigations in a Logo environment. Details the intellectual struggle of a number of students as they interact with the environment. Reports on the development of a series of comparative case studies with seven students enrolled in an online talent education development…

Addresses the impact of algebraic calculators on mathematics education. Shows how teaching with technology can lead to more efficient teaching and learning, more student-centered learning, and increase teacher value. Recommends that technology is fully embraced in order to perform the mathematics, thus freeing time for students to concentrate on…

Discusses the use of a computer algebra system in a capstone mathematics course for undergraduate mathematics majors preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Provides sample exercises intended to demonstrate how the power of a computer algebra system such as MAPLE can contribute to desired outcomes including reinforcing and strengthening…

Reports on a study in which three volunteer teachers helped design and then taught an experimental program of introductory differential calculus in which students had full access to calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) in the classroom, at home, and during tests. Test scores indicated that the classes had learned similar amounts of…

Shares some ideas about facilitating inquiry-based learning in the classroom, in independent studies, in libraries, museums, communities, and all the arenas of life in which people attempt to make sense of experience and grow. Notes that the "Web-linked Inquiry Units" provide a tangible form of a community of inquiry as well as insights for future…