Suggestions for using handheld calculators are given. Students can invent and check their own problems. The calculator can debug problems, provide practice, aid in developing concepts of place value, decimals, order of operations, powers of a number, and evaluation of formulas. (KM)

Taking advantage of calculators involves becoming knowledgeable about the research on calculators, recognizing intangible benefits of calculator use, developing an open calculator policy, allowing students to explore with calculators, never requiring calculator checks of paper-and-pencil computations, using standardized tests designed for…

These worksheets represent gameboards designed to provide practice in estimation using a calculator. Worksheets are presented for estimation in addition, sums and differences, products, and quotients. (MP)

This brief review of research on calculators indicates that they will not harm achievement and that they are helpful in problem solving and for teaching other mathematical ideas. (MNS)

Six bonuses that students and teachers experience when using calculators are described. Then problem solving and creative problem-making are discussed, followed by practical suggestions for teachers who want to try calculators. Advice on personalizing the use of calculators and recognizing some of their limitations is also included. (MNS)

It is concluded: (1) elementary school students enjoy doing problems, but have trouble thinking them out; (2) students need to work on a variety of types; (3) calculator use can definitely help students become better; and (4) students need experience in group work. Details of the instructional approach used are provided. (MP)

Ideas for teaching pupils of the specialized language of calculators before they are used as tools in the classroom are presented. (MP)

Several problems that can be used with calculators are provided. Teaching tips and references are included. (MNS)

Several learning activities and games designed to stimulate and challenge mathematically gifted kindergarten, first-, and second-grade pupils are outlined. Many of the ideas presented can be adapted to other levels. (MP)

What is number sense, why it is important, how it is taught, and how it is measured are each discussed. Examples with concrete materials, calculators, and pattern recognition are included. (MNS)

Activities are suggested for using the hand calculator as a complement to any mathematics program. The activities focus on developing skills for using the calculator, exploring basic arithmetic operations, understanding algorithms, mental calculation and estimation, and problem solving. (DT)

Presented is a conversation with students that gives an insight into the ways students think about decimals. Students were introduced, with the use of a calculator, to decimal notation and systematic experimentation. What students had learned throughout this conversation is discussed. (KR)

Three lessons on division for grade 4 are presented, the first using manipulative materials; the second, the computer; and the third, the calculator. Advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. (MNS)

Postulated here is the notion that the exploration of number patterns with calculators is a valuable mathematical learning activity that should be commenced in the primary grades. Various activities are presented that make use of the constant function key, which is available on many of the inexpensive four-function calculators. (JJK)

A plan used successfully in the classroom to introduce pupils in grades one through six to calculators is outlined. It comprises a sequence of activities designed to help teachers have a good start when they take the first steps introducing calculators to students. (MP)