Describes a classroom activity in which students explore a real-life application of algebra by sending secret messages to each other. (MKR)

Graphs equations in two variables using a BASIC screen-sweep program that generates solutions to equations by applying the intermediate value theorem. Provides suggestions for investigations that result in graphs of a butterfly, the Cheshire cat, the Trisectrix of Catalna, E. T. waving goodbye, a praying mantis, and others. (MDH)

Correlations of a test of algebra skills, SAT mathematics scores, and final mathematics grades indicated that most college freshmen would be better placed in mathematics courses by using the test of algebra skills and SAT scores than by using SAT scores alone. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

A preservice teacher education course involving the applications for a computer within the mathematics classroom is described in terms of its evolution from a workshop to a regular curricular offering. Included are samples of computer experiments which suggest computer teaching activities for the prospective teacher lacking in field experience.…

Discusses an alternative form of the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations. Presents an application to chemistry to illustrate the need for quadratic formulas better suited to approximations obtained using hand-held calculators. Addresses the problems of rounding errors, accuracy of solutions, and factoring as a method of solution. (MDH)

Presented are eight student worksheets of block problems. Included are diagrams of the squares and hollow squares involved and a separate answer sheet for the problems. (CW)

Examined differences in connectedness of instruction on equivalent algebraic expressions between an expert and two novice teachers by analyzing lesson plans, observations, and postlesson interviews. Only the expert teacher used both lesson and content connectedness to guide teaching. Differences in teachers' views and uses of connectedness are…

Presents a mathematics activity that illustrates how such adjectives as elegant, surprising, concise, and challenging can be, and in fact are, attributed to proofs by a not very expert audience. (ASK)

Presents ways to improve the accuracy of approximations of logarithms in a college-algebra course. (Author/ASK)

Extends O'Callaghan's computer-intensive algebra study by using his component competencies and the process-object framework to investigate the effects of a graphing-approach curriculum employing the TI-82 graphing calculator. Concludes that students in the graphing-approach classes demonstrated significantly better understanding of functions on…

Utilizes a psychological-constructivist perspective to examine the transitions that students make from arithmetic to algebra in the context of problems that, from an expert's perspective, involve the concept of linear inequality. Reports that students who completed a transition to algebra operated at higher levels of reflective abstraction than…

Provides a brief synopsis of the development of the National Fire Danger Rating System along with an explanation of how it works and possible ways to use it in a modeling or problem-solving unit in a secondary mathematics classroom. (ASK)

Addresses the difficulties students have in acquiring graphical problem-solving skills. Presents some techniques and concepts intended to help students overcome them. Contains 15 references. (Author/ASK)

Adopts several strategies for successful teaching and learning of linear algebra, which consist of a set of computer projects allowing students to explore new concepts, make conjectures, apply theorems, and work on applied projects of their choice. The resulting improvement in student learning has been remarkable. (Contains 12 references.)…

Presents a case study of one high school student's experiences in a first-year algebra course. Emphasizes the use of technology and how it changed the mathematics curriculum. (ASK)