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)

Briefly traces the development of computers from the abacus, John Napier's logarithms, the first computer/calculator (known as the Differential Engine), the first computer programming via steel punched cards, the electrical analog computer, electronic digital computer, and the transistor to the microchip of today's computers. (MBR)

An evaluation of five voice calculators now on the market--the Canon SP-1260-D, Panasonic JE-165OU and JE-72OU, Sharp EL-620, and Speech Plus--by 20 legally blind adults indicated that most can easily by used by visually handicapped people. Descriptive information is given. (Author/MC)

An approach to the teaching of business mathematics with the use of the electronic calculator. (Editor)

Presents the results of an investigation into how pre-service teachers with low-level mathematics qualifications do mathematics when using hand-held, sophisticated mathematics technology as a tool. Results indicate that students were able to master the technical aspects of the TI-92, ask relevant questions and engage in mathematical discussion,…

Explores the myths surrounding the use of calculators in primary school. (Author/CCM)

Explores various emerging technologies for use in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Discusses advanced graphing calculators, networked calculators, and participatory simulations. (MM)

Questions the effectiveness of graphics calculators in developing mathematical understanding. Investigates how a small group of students actually used graphics calculators in examination conditions. Finds that very little was made of the calculator when taking the exam with most students preferring to use a scientific calculator instead unless a…

This article describes a hands-on activity that explore weaving patterns of the Tellem people. It includes a graphing calculator program that simulates the weaving pattern.

Introducing any new initiative into teaching involves professional development and training. This paper investigates the reactions of three teachers to the introduction of graphics calculators into their department. Each teacher was followed through one academic year. They were interviewed formally on two occasions and also met informally with the…

Many popular mathematical software products including Maple, Mathematica, Derive, Mathcad, Matlab, and some of the TI calculators produce incorrect graphs because they use complex arithmetic instead of "real" arithmetic. This article expounds on this issue, provides possible remedies for instructors to share with their students, and demonstrates…

Building physical models relative to a concept can be an important activity to help students develop and manipulate abstract ideas and mental models that often prove difficult to grasp. One such concept is "time". A method for helping students understand the cyclical nature of time involves the construction of a Time Zone Calculator through a…

The velocity of sound in a gas depends on its temperature, molar mass, and [lambda] = C[subscript p]/C[subscript v], ratio (heat capacity at a constant pressure to heat capacity at constant volume). The [lambda] values for air, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide were determined by measuring the velocity of the sound through the gases at…

Describes the results of a teacher's exploration of the effects of using graphing calculators in calculus instruction in sections other than those that are experimental. Two experimental and two traditional sections of Calculus I and II participated in the study. (DDR)

Fourteen topics are discussed that need to be included in the curriculum to make it possible for students to successfully take full advantage of the calculator and its capabilities. These include: underflow, overflow, estimation, scientific notation, powers of ten, rounding, and truncation. (MP)