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)

Several examples are given of a variety of nonstandard problems, not ordinarily found in texts or courses, now accessible to students who have programmable calculators. These include: (1) finding limits; (2) evaluating infinite series; (3) calculating finite series; (4) computing variable length products; (5) solving equations; (6) searching for…

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

These student worksheets include activities in counting, place value, estimation, the four operations with whole numbers, number patterns, volume, inequalities, decimal equivalents of fractions, and percents, all to be worked with a calculator. (MP)

Five different ways are outlined in which calculators can be used to develop a student's ability: (1) to solve problems which use real-world data; (2) for solving a greater number of standard word problems; (3) for using different approaches to solve problems; (4) for extending problem situations; and (5) for using the calculator in an…

The message of this article is that there are many types of problems ordinarily requiring advanced techniques or special insight to solve which can now be done as simple programming exercises on inexpensive programmable calculators. Several examples appropriate for the secondary school curriculum are given. These are: (1) evaluating polynomials;…

Many problems and activities which can be worked with a calculator are contained in this booklet. The problems include: pattern recognition, combinations of operations, estimation, squares and square roots, rate problems, area, and volume. Chapter topics include: getting to know the calculator, single-step problems, using formulas, and…

A problem from number theory is used to illustrate the use of the computer and programable calculators in solving problems. Programs are included. (MP)

This study attempted to identify the things that help elementary school students solve verbal problems. Among the types of things included for examination were: the attributes of problems, the tools used, and the problem transformations that were possible. The summary of findings is comprised of 29 diverse types of statements grouped under four…

This publication provides background information, ideas, and sample activities to help teachers in their efforts to aid students in developing problem solving skills. It provides an overview of the stages in the problem solving model recommended in the elementary mathematics program of studies. Several clusters of problem solving strategies are…

This teacher's guide was designed to accompany five student workbooks: Math Language, Understanding Word Problems, Using a Calculator, Estimation, and Solving Word Problems. The series was specifically developed for low achieving students. The teaching gradually progresses in difficulty, but concepts are presented in small chunks that students can…

Describes the method to solve problems called T-E-M-T-T: trial, error, and modified trial through technology. The method integrates students' skills of estimation, mental computation, and appropriate choice of calculator use. Includes 2 activities for each of grades K-4 and 5-8 that illustrate the method. (MDH)

The use of calculators and computers in the schools is promoted. It is stated that calculators should be used in the mathematics classroom as soon as basic operations are understood. A point is made that calculators are no greater a threat to "learning the fundamentals" than slide rules, which have been available for over 350 years. It is…

The usage and availability of calculators, computers, and related instructional materials are presented. This publication is a Know-Pak, a summary of materials and articles that is part of a series of information packets developed by the Oregon Department of Education. Topics covered include: (1) a forecast of a computer literacy crisis in…

Presents five activities to help students construct meaning for multiplying fractions through real-world problem contexts, physical or pictorial models, the recognition of patterns, and the use of calculators. In the context of a garden plot, worksheets examine various aspects of parts of plots, patterns in plots, and a maximization problem.…