Discussed are supercalculator capabilities and possible teaching implications. Included are six examples that use a supercalculator for topics that include volume, graphing, algebra, polynomials, matrices, and elementary calculus. A short review of the research on supercomputers in education and the impact they could have on the curriculum is…

Described are three activities designed to increase student participation in the classroom. The first uses earthquake reporting to study logarithms. The second discusses student-generated examples to introduce probability. In the third, prepared handouts and study groups are used to promote student interaction and involvement in calculus classes.…

The wave equation is a classic partial differential equation that one encounters in an introductory course on boundary value problems or mathematical physics, which can be used to describe the vertical displacement of a vibrating string. Using a video camera and Wave-in-Motion software to record displacement data from a vibrating string or spring,…

A course for life science and social science students at Hampshire College is a combination of mathematics and computer science. Through actively involving students in manipulations and simulations, their appreciation for the logical and aesthetic properties of mathematical tools and their capacity for the independent work is enhanced. (MLW)

At some point in their education, pre-engineering students will take physics and/or calculus. For many freshmen who aren't certain about their career paths, taking these courses is a litmus test to determine whether they have the aptitude or desire to pursue an engineering degree. Therein lies the challenge for many students in the U.S. Science,…

This course guide for calculus offered at the high school level begins with an overview of the course. The overview includes a rationale for including calculus in the high school curriculum, a description and rationale of calculator and computer use in the calculus class, the desired qualifications and characteristics of calculus teachers,…

REPORTED ARE THE TENTATIVE VIEWS OF A GROUP OF MATHEMATICIANS ON THE CONTENT OF A PRE-COLLEGE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM THAT MIGHT CONCEIVABLY REPRESENT THE TYPE OF PROGRAM WHICH WILL BE OPERATING IN A FEW DECADES. THE COMMITTEE PRESENTS ITS VIEWS, NOT AS A CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR ADMINISTRATORS AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATORS, BUT AS A BASIS FOR DISCUSSION,…

Explains graphing functions when using LOTUS 1-2-3. Provides examples and explains keystroke entries needed to make the graphs. Notes up to six functions can be displayed on the same set of axes. (MVL)

Presents the template method developed by Galileo for calculating areas of geometric shapes constructed of uniform density and thickness. The method compares the weight of a shape of known area to the weight of a shape of unknown area. Applies this hands-on method to problems involving calculus, Pythagorean's theorem, and cycloids. (MDH)

Presented are classroom-tested examples of instructional materials (courseware) for ordinary differential equations using the software package PHASER. All of the examples include in-class demonstration techniques and commentaries for instructor use, student homework and laboratory exercises, and suggestions for in-class examination questions. (JJK)

The work described in this paper is part of a larger project, called InterQuest, which is dedicated to establishing effective models and methods for teaching using Internet technology, especially the World Wide Web. Features of two InterQuest projects, CalculusQuest and QuestWriter, are discussed. CalculusQuest is a first-term differential…

Minicourses in astronomy and advanced calculus were offered to students in small rural high schools in New York via IBM PC microcomputers using the graphics tablet and associated software. New York state and local educational agencies, federal agencies, school districts, and two private sector telecommunications companies cooperated to demonstrate…

Discusses results from studies reported from 1958-86 examining the different methods of teaching calculus. Alternatives to lecture presentations to supplement and enhance learning include discovery and group learning, self-paced classes, programed materials, and use of computers. (over 50 references) (MDH)

Forty-two studies comparing students with access to graphing calculators during instruction to students who did not have access to graphing calculators during instruction are the subject of this meta-analysis. The results on the achievement and attitude levels of students are presented. The studies evaluated cover middle and high school…

These proceedings contain the papers presented at the 1995 annual meeting of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group. Papers are organized into four sections: (1) plenary lectures; (2) working groups; (3) topic sessions; and (4) ad hoc sessions. Papers include: (1) "The Role of Epistemology in the Analysis of Teaching/Learning…