A mathematical preview program in physics was developed at the Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences to introduce students to mathematical concepts, then use these as tools in physics while concurrently studying them in mathematics. The topics and time frame for the mathematical preview in calculus-based physics courses is presented, along…

Calculus can be taught using meaningful problems and active participation, with provocative problem situations and large-scale projects. An Ithaca College (New York) introductory calculus course uses this problem-based learning approach to develop understanding of central concepts (differentiation, integration, approximation) with less of the…

Maintains that most economics textbooks continue to repeat past mistakes concerning returns to scale and economies of scale under assumptions of constant and nonconstant input prices. Provides an adaptation for a calculus-based intermediate microeconomics class that demonstrates the pointwise relationship between returns to scale and economies of…

Discussed are supercalculator capabilities and possible teaching implications. Included are six examples that use a supercalculator for topics that include volume, graphing, algebra, polynomials, matrices, and elementary calculus. A short review of the research on supercomputers in education and the impact they could have on the curriculum is…

Described is a learning activity that requires students to write a manual to explain how to apply procedures and algorithms used in mathematics. A list of possible precalculus and calculus topics that can be used in this activity is included. (KR)

Reported is whether and how mathematics has changed during the 75 years of the Mathematical Association of America's (MAA) existence. The progress of mathematics is organized into 9 concepts, 2 explosions, and 11 developments. (KR)

Described is an interdisciplinary program designed to coordinate the physics and calculus courses for seniors in a Massachusetts high school. Target audience, benefits, team coordination, and impact are discussed. A list of suggested crossover topics is provided. (CW)

Discusses research findings related to students' ability to make connections between analytical (symbolic) and graphical representations of functions in calculus. Describes graphing tasks and typical student interpretations. Implications for teaching are suggested. (Contains 17 references.) (MKR)

Described are three activities designed to increase student participation in the classroom. The first uses earthquake reporting to study logarithms. The second discusses student-generated examples to introduce probability. In the third, prepared handouts and study groups are used to promote student interaction and involvement in calculus classes.…

Discusses solutions to real-world linear particle-motion problems using graphing calculators to simulate the motion and traditional analytic methods of calculus. Applications include (1) changing circular or curvilinear motion into linear motion and (2) linear particle accelerators in physics. (MDH)

Calculus must evolve or face the prospect of becoming irrelevant. The minimum level of classroom technology now available requires us to rethink the content of our calculus courses. Proposes using graphing calculators and computer algebra systems to include the following topics: local linearity, optimization problems, families of curves, and…

Computer labs using Calculus T/L were introduced into Calculus I classes at Christopher Newport University. A description of the labs, the instructor's experiences in using the labs, and student reactions are detailed. Contains instructions for Lab I involving inputting functions, finding difference quotients, and sketching a graph. (Author/MDH)

Presented are student activities that involve two standard problems from geometry and calculus--the volume of a box and the bank shot on a pool table. Problem solving is emphasized as a method of inquiry and application with descriptions of the results using graphical, numerical, and physical models. (JJK)

Investigates the relationship between gender and achievement in a computer-integrated, first-year college mainstream calculus course in comparison with a similar non-computer-integrated course. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

This article presents teaching ideas designed to support the belief that students at all levels (preservice teachers, majors, secondary and elementary students) need exposure to non-routine problems that illustrate the effective use of technology in their resolution. Such use provides students with rapid and accurate data collection, leading them…