The controversy over what should be included in the mathematics curriculum is analyzed. Positions of the National Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (NACOME), the National Institute of Education (NIE), and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) are outlined. The NCSM list of basic mathematics skill areas is presented.…

A study compared the effects of microcomputer-based software and hand-held calculators on the statistics achievement of 50 graduate students. Results showed no significant difference between computer and calculator groups or between genders but did show an interaction effect. Males using microcomputers outperformed 82% of females using…

Addresses how the early childhood educator can develop mathematical concepts in the context of goals and standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and simultaneously enhance literacy development. Includes suggestions for daily story time using children's books with strong mathematics and science connections, and for teaching…

Demonstrates the consequences of teaching rules without understanding using examples from two 3rd grade children. Suggests alternative instructional strategies. (KHR)

Errors found in a common physics experiment to measure acceleration resulting from gravity using a linear air track are investigated. Glider position at release and initial velocity are shown to be sources of systematic error. (CW)

Described are several spreadsheet templates which use the functions of iteration and logical look-up which allow students to calculate and graph quantum mechanical functions and to simulate rotational and vibrational energy level and spectra. The templates are listed in the appendix. (KR)

Computational strategies and estimating abilities of 466 Japanese students were tested and interviews with a subsample of that group were used to compare with a theoretical model based on a sample from the United States. Results of the comparison of computational and estimating abilities are presented. (CW)

Described is how spreadsheet and problem solver microcomputer programs may assist students in performing mathematical calculations. Discussed is the application of the equation solver "MathCAD" to various areas in the undergraduate curriculum. (KR)

Presented are four activities for grades K-eight focusing on the application of mathematics to real-world situations of spending money. The objectives, directions, extensions, and answers for each activity are described. Worksheets are provided. (YP)

Hypothesized that arithmetic calculating procedures and types of problems that necessitate more subproblems will lead to longer solution times. Data from 36 third grade students who mentally computed problems with sums greater than 20 and less than 100, confirmed both hypotheses. (RH)

Explains a new way of viewing Bayes' formula. Discusses the revision factor and its interpretation. (YP)

Described are the use of spreadsheet programs in chemical engineering calculations using Lotus 1-2-3 macros. Discusses the macro commands, subroutine operations, and solution of partial differential equation. Provides examples of the subroutine programs and spreadsheet solution. (YP)

Seventh-grade students were tested to uncover arithmetic errors. Answers and intermediate steps were analyzed and models to represent students' behavior were developed. Certain errors were common across students. Others were tied to the format of the test item. Some superficial understandings of mathematical concepts were exposed. (Author/DC)

A study assessed the effects of assigned versus self-selected goals and contingent versus non-contingent gameplay conditions delivered during computer-assisted math computation drill-and-practice sessions. Subjects were 20 high-school students with learning disabilities. Self-selected goals were more effective; no differences existed between…

Investigates minimizing errors in computational methods commonly used in chemistry. Provides a series of examples illustrating the propagation of errors, finite difference methods, and nonlinear regression analysis. Includes illustrations to explain these concepts. (MVL)