Traces three major stages in the development of algebraic notation: (1) rhetorical or prose; (2) syncopated; and (3) symbolic. Illustrates the development of a standardized, efficient symbol system by tracing the evolution of some common symbols, including the symbols for equals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. (Author/WRM)

Reviews an alternative patterning approach and highlights the difficulties it can present when students lack the requisite skills and knowledge of processes. Describes how this approach can be used to introduce elementary algebraic ideas and offers recommendations for establishing these important understandings. (ASK)

Presents an algebra project in which students build a dance club. Reveals how this project motivates students and makes algebra more accessible, dynamic, and relevant to their society. (ASK)

Describes a spreadsheet model for approximating square roots then extends that model into the intriguing domain of chaos. Focuses on the use of a dynamic model to promote habits of mathematical reasoning, conjecturing, and graphing analysis that support mathematics learning across grade levels. (ASK)

A study investigated effects of a graduated instructional strategy on solution of algebra problems involving subtraction of integers for three adolescents with learning disabilities. Students successfully moved through three levels of instruction: concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract and applied a first letter acronym, STAR, to help them…

Reports that most of 13 developmental algebra students interviewed preferred constructing tables of values, or the combination of prose with tables, as symbolic models for additive and unit-rate functional relationships. States that these students achieved greater success rates than those who used only prose in their symbolic modeling attempts.…

Describes how to use the computer algebra system (CAS) Mathematica to analyze projectile motion with and without air resistance. These experiments result in several conjectures leading to theorems. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/ASK)

Reviews tasks and techniques to help students develop an appropriate instrumental genesis for algebra and functions to prepare for calculus. Focuses on the potential of the calculator to connect enactive representations and theoretical calculus. Discusses strategies to help students experiment with symbolic concepts in calculus. (Contains 32…

Presents activities that combine astronomy problems with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, and physics. Provides experiences for students in making distance measurements themselves by using the method of parallax. (ASK)

Describes the experimental intelligent computer algebra system STRAMS which can solve problems using a set of methods and techniques traditionally taught, learn new mathematical problem solving methods, and generate different kinds of explanations. Analyzes these features of STRAMS to give reasons for its potential applicability in building…

Describes a prototype package that uses algorithms created within the symbolic algebra system Axiom, numerical routines from the NAG Libraries together with the easy-to-use facilities of modern graphical interfaces. Considers the implementation of different techniques, both symbolic and numeric, for the analysis and calculation of interpolating…

Following a pretest, 11 participants who were naive with regard to various algebraic and trigonometric transformations received an introductory lecture regarding the fundamentals of the rectangular coordinate system. Following the lecture, they took part in a computer-interactive matching-to-sample procedure in which they received training on…

This article describes an innovative method for teaching of mathematics which was utilized to teach abstract algebra to a class of mathematics education majors at a small liberal arts college. A variation of R.L. Moore's Discovery Method was employed in conjunction with substantial use of mathematical software. Although student reactions were…

Few historic episodes in American history have imparted a more potent plea for social justice and inclusion than the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. In the past two decades, legendary activist Bob Moses has channeled the best of the civil rights tradition into a campaign of school reform and curriculum development with the nationally…

This article describes a mathematical communication game that was used by the author to facilitate middle school students' understanding of algebraic expressions. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)