Calculators can be used in primary schools in a number of situations. They are most beneficial when working with large numbers, dealing with real data that leads to complex calculations, performing repetitive calculations, developing concepts, estimating and checking, problem solving, and looking for patterns and/or relationships. But what if the…

Advanced Placement Calculus examinations were administered to nearly 7,000 students in order to determine the impact of calculator use. Both experimental examinations had two sections. Section I items were designed so that a calculator was not needed, but approximately half of the students were permitted to use calculators. Section II items…

The use of scientific calculators on standardized mathematics tests is becoming more common, and how their use affects the standardized testing process continues to be a topic of study. This study extends previous work by examining test item characteristics and equity issues, asking whether items designed to be "calculator neutral"…

The goal of this guide is to address a major environmental dilemma: worldwide habitat destruction and the disappearance of species. This guide is one of six that are included in the Habitat Ecology Learning Program (HELP), a holistic life science curriculum that involves students in an in-depth study of ecology. HELP includes six teaching guides…

The goal of this guide is to address a major environmental dilemma: worldwide habitat destruction and the disappearance of species. This guide is one of six that are included in the Habitat Ecology Learning Program (HELP), a holistic life science curriculum that involves students in an in-depth study of ecology. HELP includes six teaching guides…

This book is written to answer commonly asked homework questions of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Included are facts, charts, definitions, explanations, examples, and illustrations. Topics include ancient number systems; decimal system; math symbols; addition; subtraction; multiplication; division; fractions; estimation; averages; properties;…

This study investigated the effect of teacher involvement in the development of calculator mathematics curriculum on the implementation of calculators in the classroom. Forty-five middle school mathematics teachers served as subjects. Findings revealed that teachers involved in curriculum development were observed significantly more often than…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recommended the use of calculators in the classroom in 1989. While calculators are more readily available in classrooms today than they were a few years ago, the recommendation is rarely followed in elementary grades. One of the reasons for this is a lack of appropriate classroom materials.…

This conference report bears witness to the centrality and growing significance of the debate on the impact of technology on mathematics education. It presents an overview of the conference's Technology Theme group's work, featuring summaries of the reports of 17 constituent working groups under 6 major headings: (1) "Challenges to the…

A course is described which was designed to: (1) teach correct use of the calculator; (2) teach appropriate techniques for solving arithmetic problems using the calculator; and (3) develop number sense in students through teaching of appropriate facts, concepts, and techniques to be carried out mentally without the calculator. (Number sense starts…

This article focuses on three key factors that a survey of literature indicated impact the teaching and learning of mathematics with graphing calculators: access to graphing calculators, the place of graphing calculators in the mathematics curriculum, and the connection between graphing calculators and pedagogical practice. Access to graphing…

This paper discusses the results of questionnaires sent to principals and teachers on the subject of manipulatives, computer, and calculator availability and use in the classroom. The study was done in order to develop a better understanding of teachers' inservice needs. Results of the study include: (1) most teachers have at least some…

This report examines the most recent middle school data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to investigate how selected dimensions of instructional practice are related to higher-order learning of middle-grade students. In particular, the paper: (1) outlines the theoretical basis for prescribing middle level instructional…

This survey provides data on the current status of mathematics programs in Indiana schools. It was intended to stimulate local school systems in the evaluation of their mathematics curricula. Separate sections provide data on elementary schools, junior high and middle schools, and high schools. Included is information on mathematics contests and…

This book presents activities promoting children's understanding of mathematical ideas while at the same time providing the practice children need to refine their skills in mathematics. Chapter topics include: (1) numbers; (2) number facts and operations; (3) problem solving; (4) calculators; (5) fractions; (6) graphing; (7) geometry; and (8)…