Laboratory activities for chemistry students focus attention on the use of acid-base chemistry to examine environmental conditions. After using standard laboratory procedures to analyze soil and rainwater samples, students use web-based resources to interpret their findings. Uses CBL probes and graphing calculators to gather and analyze data and…

Describes a project that predicts the orbits of satellites using a TI-85 calculator. Enables students to achieve a richer understanding of longitude, latitude, time zones, orbital mechanics of satellites, and the terms associated with satellite tracking. (JRH)

This review analyzes, in the context of current mathematics education reform recommendations, literature related to graphics calculators, including results of some early studies assessing the impact of graphics calculators on the achievement and disposition of secondary and early college students. (25 references) (LZ)

Described are ways that errors of magnitude can be unwittingly caused when using various supercalculator algorithms to solve linear systems of equations that are represented by nearly singular matrices. Precautionary measures for the unwary student are included. (JJK)

University of Chicago School Mathematics Project shares some insights about using new technology, incorporating real-world data and applications into mainstream mathematics, improving student performance, and changing mathematics curriculum. Calculators are easily implemented, particularly high schools. Virtually all students can learn to apply…

Uses vectors and programming with graphing calculators to analyze a ride in an amusement park (the "Scrambler") that has three long arms that revolve horizontally around a central post, at the end of which hang seats revolving in circles. (ASK)

Introduces a Vygotskian approach to learning with an emphasis on mediated activity within a particular socio-historical context. Addresses the relationship between mathematical learner and different sign systems (multiple representations) afforded by the graphic calculator. Contains 32 references. (ASK)

Considers various aspects of teaching and learning stemming from the integration of graphing calculator use in a semester-long college algebra course. Argues that technology use has had a positive impact on various dimensions of student learning. (Author/CCM)

Considers some changes that the use of graphics calculators impose on the assessment of calculus and mathematical modeling at the undergraduate level. Suggests some of the ways in which the assessment of mathematical tasks can be modified as the mechanics of calculation become routine and questions of analysis and interpretation assume greater…

Discusses the use of Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) in mathematics classrooms. Provides a classroom activity in which students graph walking in different directions and speeds. Presents student work and testing. (ASK)

Discusses the problems of conceptualization of the function limit in technological environments (principally graphing calculators today and symbolic calculators tomorrow) that are gradually being adopted in precalculus teaching. Explains how the instrumentation process and the conceptualization process are dependent on each other. Sets forth a…

Presents a study using a module of work based on a graphing calculator that provided an environment where students could experience some aspects of variables and begin to build an understanding of them. Graphing calculators proved to be an instrument for achieving significant improvement in student understanding, which had often proved difficult…

Algebraic calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities are tools in some classrooms for 14-19 year olds, and their use in learning and teaching mathematics is likely to increase over time. Explains the reports of government-initiated working groups that consider the implications of their use in academic mathematics examinations for…

Reviews 10 years of graphing calculators. Examines the issues associated with them and attempts to confront some questions such as, for the teacher, whether graphing calculators should be used in instruction. (ASK)

Assesses the status and use of the hand-held calculator in the current school curriculum. Comments on current proposals to restrict its use in the examination room at A-level. Concludes that at the stage of A-level mathematics, calculations that are not practicable without calculating aids cannot be avoided without indefensible contrivance.…