This paper presents the conceptualisation of infinity as a multi-faceted concept, discussing two examples. The first is from history and illustrates the work of Euler, when using infinity in an algebraic context. The second sketches an activity in a school context, namely students who approach the definite integral with symbolic-graphic…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an implementation plan that would support middle school science teachers as they integrated a specific technological tool, Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) probeware. The final goal of the implementation process was pedagogical and curricula transformation by the participants. The…

This paper discusses different ways of using statistics more creatively. One method begins with two conflicting headlines from newspapers and analyzes them statistically by using a graphing calculator. Other activities using graphing calculators are also presented. (ASK)

This study compared the test scores of AP Calculus students. Two methods were used to work the calculus problems: the traditional pencil and paper method and the graphing calculator method. Four researcher-constructed assessments on various calculus topics were administered over a six-week period to two sections of high school AP Calculus…

This paper presents three activities on how to analyze rates of change in real-life situations using TI-83 calculators and computer-based laboratories. Activities include 24 hour temperature data, the temperature of a light bulb, and an M&M toss. Each section contains descriptions of equipment/materials, data collection, and data analysis. The…

As part of the Electrical Engineering program at the Univesity of Southern Maine, students are typically introduced to Two's Complement algebra and representation, a method to include negative numbers in the binary representation of integers that is widely used in microprocessors and related digital systems. The traditional, procedural method to…

The concept of percentile is a fundamental part of every course in basic statistics. Many such courses are now taught to students and require them to have TI-82 or TI-83 calculators. The functions defined in these calculators enable students to easily find the percentiles of a discrete data set. (PVD)

Discusses the properties of the equation y"+ay=0, a basic equation in differential equations classes which is well known to have periodic solutions. Explores similar but more complicated equations using a graphing calculator to ask questions about the nature of the solutions and to generate conjectures from examples. Lists some equations and…

Describes an activity in which students are given a set of designs and are required to use their electronic grapher to reproduce the designs. The activity reinforces students' understanding of lines and of the formula for a linear function. (MKR)

Discusses drawing a Pythagoras diagram in the context of how computer software influences mathematical understanding. Requires different understandings of what the diagram involves in order to be successfully completed in different environments. Suggests that while LOGO is often expected to be easier, a graphic calculator can be less demanding.…

Describes how to teach the coefficient of determination and correlation coefficient. Includes a worksheet for correlation and regression activities. (KHR)

Describes the different ways in which two pioneering Australian teachers adapted their teaching to use computer algebra systems (CAS). One teacher used CAS with the primary goal of increasing understanding but restricted student use. The other teacher adopted CAS as an extra technique for solving standard problems, emphasizing time saving routines…

Describes an activity designed to demonstrate the birthday paradox and introduce students to real-world applications of Monte Carlo-type simulation techniques. Includes a sample TI-83 program and graphical analysis of the birthday problem function. (KHR)

Presents a way of using greeting cards created by graphing calculators to teach the transformation of functions. Illustrates the steps of making a calculator greeting card and students' descriptions of transformations. (KHR)

Presents the "Before Technology and After Technology" lab where students first complete a simple lab and graph the data by hand and then repeat the lab using graphing calculators. Enables students to see how technology can make data collecting, graphing, and analyzing more fun. (JRH)