Presents four methods for solving a quadratic equation using graphing calculator technology: (1) graphing with the CALC feature; (2) quadratic formula program; (3) table; and (4) solver. Includes a worksheet for a lab activity on factoring quadratic equations. (KHR)

Graphing calculators convert an equation to a visual model allowing students to make connections between mathematical concepts. Teachers are very receptive to the calculators, according to the director of the Calculator and Computer Precalculus Project at Ohio State University. (MLF)

Reviewed are 13 computer software packages including "Algebra I Second Semester"; "The Algebraic Proposer"; "SVE AutoGraph"; "Geometry: Concepts and Proofs"; "Geometry 1&2"; "Graphics Calculator"; "Interactive Physics"; "Learning Data Analysis with Data Desk";…

Describes the graphing calculator as a new graphical approach to standard physics problems. Presents a collision problem to illustrate its use. (JRH)

Compared the performance of (n=710) college students taught precalculus using a graphing calculator approach to the performance of students using the traditional approach. Students in the first group scored significantly higher than the others on a comprehensive final exam. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents a mathematics problem on how a sailor decides the shortest distance between two points by using a calculator. (ASK)

Presents an activity that utilizes a digital camera to capture a stream of water from a faucet to study quadratic behavior using graphing calculators. (ASK)

Asserts that there are numerous advantages to using graphing calculators, including the teaching of higher-level thinking skills and allowing students to draw conclusions about what they are learning. However, mathematics educators face such challenges as teaching students when it is appropriate to use graphing calculators, course-content…

Presents graphing calculator activities that rely on resolving the magnitude and direction form of vectors into their Cartesian components so that they are suitable as applications for vector or trigonometric relationships for years 10-12. (ASK)

Describes two activities that involve thinking of slope as rate of change. Uses a calculator-based laboratory, graphing calculator, appropriate probes, and web sites to make the concepts of slope and y-intercept come alive for middle grade students. (ASK)

Reports on a research study that examined how some teachers used graphing calculators in their instruction of mathematics, and how their views of mathematics were manifested in the ways in which they chose to use this technology. Suggests that teachers used graphing technology as an extension to the way they always taught the unit. Contains 23…

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…

A current project for the Allegany College of Maryland Mathematics Department is using spreadsheets in some of their General Education Mathematics courses. It is important to note that one of the key features of this project is that is does not require an introductory computer course as a prerequisite for any of the mathematics courses that will…

Technology is evolving and now some secondary classrooms see students using computer algebra systems (CAS), however, Zbiek (2003) points out that "graphical representations seem to abound in CAS-using classrooms" and "many [research] studies of the use of CAS depend highly on the graphing component of the tool". Kissane (2001) suggests that with…

In his recent article in this journal, John Gough (2004) concludes that the practical results of the considerable academic research undertaken at the University of Melbourne into the uses and impacts of graphics calculators and CAS (computer algebra systems) should be made more widely available in journals for teachers. This short article is…