Describes the development and integration of UDEMOG, a computer-assisted instruction system for teaching demographic related topics that was designed at the University of Delaware. Software programs and spreadsheet data files are described, hardware based on IBM equipment is discussed, and use in the classroom and in computer laboratories is…

Describes the use of the tetrachoric correlation for experimental research and hypothesis testing of the efficiency of computerized information searching. Highlights include recall, relevance, and precision in information retrieval; use of a spreadsheet; examples; and limitations. (Author/LRW)

Describes two types of star charts commonly available for astronomical viewing and outlines a strategy by which teachers can have students use a computer spreadsheet to prepare their own easy-to-use star charts appropriate for the location, date, and time of viewing. (Author/MKR)

Included are activities and guidelines which suggest ways to use large numbers in relative terms so that they can become more meaningful for elementary mathematics students. Several spreadsheet projects illustrate the incorporation of the recommendations from the NCTM Standards dealing with number sense. (JJK)

Describes the use of microcomputer-based software in an introductory statistics course at Vanderbilt University. The use of Wingz spreadsheet and Data Desk statistics software is described, objectives for the course are explained, possible objections to computer-assisted instruction for statistics are addressed, and student reactions are reported.…

Addresses some basic aspects of Archimedes' law. Focus is on potential energy relationships so as to elucidate some common misunderstandings and to facilitate making bridges with other physical topics. A spreadsheet model is used as a simulation tool. (Author/NB)

Provides a lesson that focuses on three-dimensional graphing, contours, and topographical maps using computer spreadsheets. (ASK)

Describes a study of Israeli high school biology teachers that was conducted to determine the concerns and motives of teachers who had persevered in the use of the electronic spreadsheet in their classes, in view of their own perception of their accomplishments. Computer/student ratio and administrative support are also discussed. (LRW)

Discusses using a computer spreadsheet's graphing capabilities to assist grade 8-12 algebra students to see equations and their solutions in new ways. Describes and illustrates the solution of two equations and an inequality using ClarisWorks, or Microsoft Excel or Works spreadsheet. Discusses "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School…

During the years 2000-2003, a course on Exploring Quantitative Relationships (EQR) was created at Queens College under the support of the U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (DOE-FIPSE Grant No. P116B000772). Exploratory in nature, the course goals were to acquaint liberal arts students with…

The teaching of crystal structure determination with single-crystal X-ray diffraction at undergraduate level faces numerous challenges. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction is used in a vast range of chemical research projects and forms the basis for a high proportion of structural results that are presented to high-school, undergraduate, and graduate…

Recently we were presented with an interesting twist to the sliding ladder problem viewed in the related rates section of most calculus textbooks. Our problem concerning a sliding ladder that eventually hits the ground. At first, those attempting this problem fell into the calculus trap using only related rates. Previous work for this problem…

The typical introductory programming course is not an appropriate first computer science course for many students. Initial experiences with programming are often frustrating, resulting in a low rate of successful completion, and focus on syntax rather than providing a representative picture of computer science as a discipline. The paper discusses…

A mental model is a knowledge structure composed of concepts and the relations between them. Mental models are distinct from declarative and procedural knowledge--they go beyond semantic relationships and skills acquisition and contain varied intellectual skills and knowledge. This study describes an initial investigation into the construct…

This yearbook focuses on the role of technology in school mathematics. Chapters are replete with classroom-tested ideas for using technology to teach new mathematical ideas and to teach familiar mathematical ideas better. Chapters included: (1) "Using the Graphing Calculator in the Classroom: Helping Students Solve the "Unsolvable" (Eric Milou,…