"I liked to grab things on the graphics and see it first hand, see what we were doing on the problem. It makes more sense." These words were from a student who completed a series of lessons on lines of best fit. She made this comment after comparing a hands-on approach using a strand of spaghetti with a high-tech approach using a calculator. To…

A common activity--having students collect data to measure the radius and circumference of circular objects--can be given a new twist. These data can be viewed virtually using technology. A dynamic geometry environment coupled with the powerful capabilities of a spreadsheet can greatly enhance student learning. The activity in this article…

Evolving technology has played an important part in a common quadratic-function lesson. Having been mentioned repeatedly in numerous reform documents, a recurring lesson has involved changing the parameters in f(x) = ax[superscript 2] + bx + c and studying the effects on the graph. In both NCTM Yearbooks and NCTM Standards documents, technology is…

Explores the effects of varying the coefficients in the general quadratic function using graphing calculators. (MKR)

Identifies big ideas for the informal study of algebra-related topics in the middle grades including notation, variable, function, and properties of number. Suggests meaningful ways to accomplish them. (YDS)

Presents activities to find Pythagorean triples using the TI-83, a graphing calculator. (KHR)