Presents an algorithm to estimate pi by approximating a unit circle with a sequence of inscribed regular polygons. Demonstrates the application of the algorithm with a hand-held calculator and an Apple computer. Provides a program to calculate pi in Pascal programing language. (12 references) (MDH)

This book is based on the underlying philosophy that mathematics learning at the elementary level should be active. Children should learn through meaningful hands-on activities with manipulative materials, pictures and technology. More than 400 pupil activities and suggestions for designing more activities are described. Because mathematics is to…

Computer graphing makes it easier for students and teachers to create and manipulate graphs. Scale issues are nearly unavoidable in the computer context. In interviews and protocol analysis with six students from grade 8, and 12 students from grades 11 and 12, it became apparent that some aspects of scale are clearly understood very early while…

Weaknesses in educational software currently available in the domain of mathematics are discussed. A technique that was used for the design and production of mathematics software aimed at improving problem-solving skills which combines sound pedagogy and innovative programming is presented. To illustrate the design portion of this technique, a…

Data from national and local studies have shown declines: (1) in the quality and quantity of mathematics and science instruction over the past 20 years; (2) in student enrollment in these subjects; (3) in student scores on standardized mathematics and science tests; and (4) in course offerings and enrollment in such foreign languages as German.…

This project introduced microcomputers to small-scale construction trades programs through selected California community colleges. The computers were used for applications and computer-aided instruction in construction management and carpentry classes within the departments of vocational education. The project aimed to (1) define the uses for…

This resource guide for teachers suggests activities for 20 instructional sessions for elementary children, particularly those in grades 3-6, to introduce them to the LOGO computer language. It can be used with five LOGO versions: Apple, Atari, MIT, Texas Instruments, and TRS. For each session, the guide covers objectives, concepts/skills,…

This study examined various misconceptions committed by junior high school students in fraction addition and subtraction problems. Almost 600 subjects were administered two tests, addition and subtraction, and their performances were analyzed by several computer programs, including two programs (FBUG and SPBUG) which are so flexible to any items…

Presented is a report on a Research and Development program in the use of computer-assisted instruction to teach mathematics in grades 4 through 6. Approximately 60 computer terminals of the PLATO type were installed in elementary school classrooms, 4 terminals per classroom. Each student received one-half hour of mathematics lessons, via…

In this time of high cost, it is important not to focus on tutorial computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as the only way to use a computer effectively in instruction. Teacher controlled CAI--classroom use of CAI, augmented by a television display--provides one alternative. Non-tutorial classroom demonstrations can be arranged in business education,…

Reviews for three software packages are given. Those packages are: 20/20 Statistics, Graphing Equations, and COMPUCALC. The first package is a set of programs for use in introductory statistics, the second contains four programs for studying the graphing of equations, and the third contains examples and techniques from calculus. (PK)

The Association of Educational Data Systems (AEDS) conference included 102 presentations. Abstracts of seven of these presentations are provided. Topic areas considered include LOGO, teaching probability through a computer game, writing effective computer assisted instructional materials, computer literacy, research on instructional…

Implications of using pupil-to-pupil discussion with mathematics classrooms are discussed, with different ways in which such discussion might promote mathematical understanding. A framework for instruction includes the learning of the computer language Logo. (MNS)

A six-lesson unit on computing the palindromic sum of any given two-digit number is outlined. To write a brief, efficient computer program, students need to use several computer functions not typically applied in beginning programs. (MNS)

Reviewed is computer software on: (1) classification of living things, a tutorial program for grades 5-10; and (2) polynomial practice using tiles, a drill-and-practice program for algebra students. (MNS)