The difference between estimation (the mental skill of making an educated guess) and approximation (finding a result precise enough for a specific purpose) is discussed. (MNS)

This article offers an introductory activity for the limit concept with a geometrical and historical foundation. A connection among Geometry, Measurement and Calculus is highlighted with the help of technology. The geometrical drawing, measurement and graphing capabilities of both TI-89 and Geometer's Sketchpad make it possible for students to…

Provides a lesson plan designed to form three one-hour sessions with mixed ability groups of 11-12 year olds. The activity involves students estimating road distances by counting the number of map grid lines crossed in going from A to B. The activity is designed to introduce students to graphing calculators. Screenshots from the calculator are…

Effective use of calculators is briefly discussed, and the importance of estimation noted. One example involving completion of a table is given. (MNS)

Three examples are presented which involve constructions employing a compass, a centimeter ruler, and a calculator. Employing mathematical tools to support understanding and discovery of mathematical principles is viewed as being clearly a desire of mathematics educators, but it is felt such tools are not frequently used to their fullest. (MP)

The material presented is designed to help students explore geometric patterns involving Fibonnaci numbers and the golden ratio, and to aid in review of basic geometry skills. Worksheet masters intended for duplication are provided. Suggestions are made of possible classroom extensions to the initial activities. (MP)

This annotated bibliography includes activities with calculators in the areas of computational skills, geometry, measurement, number pattern recognition, and probability. (MK)

This book, written for parents, presents short mathematics activities for use with young children. Most chapters contain an overview, educational objectives, needed materials, an estimate of initial time investment, introduction and preparation instructions, and activities. Activities are grouped as follows: kitchen math, calculators, measurement,…

Flow diagrams developing cube roots and formulas for the square, sphere, cube, circle and sector, oblong, and cylinder are presented. Some comments on their use, along with calculators, are included. (MNS)

Changes in the elementary and junior high school mathematics curriculum that have occurred in the last 20 years and that may occur in the future are discussed. (MK)

The twenty-two essays on problem solving included in this publication give ideas and examples for use in the classroom at all levels of instruction. Topics discussed in the essays include but are not limited to: problem posing, clues from research, story problems, calculators, textbook problems, and measuring problem solving. Polya's heuristics as…

Ways of solving a problem on the connection between heat loss and the ratio of surface area to volume are described. Tables and graphs are included. (MNS)

Included are several general principles pertaining to the uses, applications, and accuracy of significant digits when mathematical computations are performed with calculators. Examples are provided that illustrate how misunderstandings can arise from the misapplication of these principles. (JJK)

This area package emphasizes three facets: (1) the concept of area as a covering; (2) the square unit; and (3) formula development. There are two enrichment activities included. The first requires the aid of a programmable calculator or computer. (Author/MK)

Presents 24 activities related to the theme of area to illustrate how algebra can empower students, not impede their progress. Activities use grid tools, manipulatives, computational tools, and paper-and-pencil tools to facilitate access, discourse, independence, and multiple representations. Well-chosen themes offer connections, motivation,…