Graphing calculator use is often thought of in terms of pre-calculus or continuous topics in mathematics. This paper contains examples and activities that demonstrate useful, interesting, and easy ways to use a graphing calculator with discrete topics. Examples are given for each of the following topics: functions, mathematical induction and…

Presents the results of an investigation into how pre-service teachers with low-level mathematics qualifications do mathematics when using hand-held, sophisticated mathematics technology as a tool. Results indicate that students were able to master the technical aspects of the TI-92, ask relevant questions and engage in mathematical discussion,…

Explores various emerging technologies for use in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Discusses advanced graphing calculators, networked calculators, and participatory simulations. (MM)

Questions the effectiveness of graphics calculators in developing mathematical understanding. Investigates how a small group of students actually used graphics calculators in examination conditions. Finds that very little was made of the calculator when taking the exam with most students preferring to use a scientific calculator instead unless a…

This article describes a hands-on activity that explore weaving patterns of the Tellem people. It includes a graphing calculator program that simulates the weaving pattern.

This article illustrates the fact that unless tempered by algebraic reasoning, a graphing calculator can lead one to erroneous conclusions. It also demonstrates that some problems can be solved by combining technology with algebra.

Assumptions: In mathematics learning, one of the considerations in the graphing calculator (GC) use is to understand students' attitude toward calculators. Rationale: This presentation describes design of an assessment instrument of students' attitude toward graphing calculator. Objectives: A pilot study that assessed the effectiveness of the…

Although the nature of the research varies, as do concepts of angle, research in general supports the supposition that angle is a complex idea, best understood from a variety of perspectives. In fact, the concept of angle tends to be threefold, consisting of: (1) the traditional, static notion of two rays meeting at a common vertex; (2) the idea…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mathematics enrichment activity used to improve the mathematics performance of students relative to participation in the State Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE) and in mandated assessments. The treatment group (13 schools, 43 students) participated in a…

This essay begins with a brief history of calculator development and presents some lessons learned about using calculators in work dating back to the 1970s. A position statement on the appropriate use of calculator technology is presented along with a discussion of some of the controversial issues that have arisen as a consequence of the use of…

This collection of activities is designed to show how graphics display calculators can be used to foster algebraic thinking in middle school students. The collection consists of five activities addressing such topics as functions, estimation and scatterplots, and patterns. Blackline masters for the activities are included. (MM)

This guide provides students with practice for all the major types of graphs they are likely to encounter. It includes information on graphs of various families of algebraic functions; bar, line, and circle graphs; the creation, reading, and interpretation of graphs; and the use of graphing calculators. (MVL)

Uses a graphing calculator to demonstrate that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal. Students graph a division problem and an equivalent problem, multiplying by the reciprocal. They find that the graphs are the same. (SKS)

Documents the experiences of 25 first-year university students with regard to the kinds of tasks calculus instructors should design in order to engage students in mathematical practices that often require the use of a graphing calculator. (MM)

Discusses planetary motion and universal gravitation using a graphing calculator. Includes program and data. (MKR)