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Re: Re:
Posted:
Jul 22, 1996 10:40 AM
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>"One of the specific connections that we are making for elementary math
>teachers is the use of spread sheet as it connects to elementary data
>gathering."
>
>This is the paragraph that interests me.
>
>I'm just learning the computer, and at the same time, I'm supposed to be
>integrating the use of computers into the 7th grade math curriculum. Any
>ideas and help you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks.
>
>Bobbie Huizenger
>e-mail rhuizenger@kiwi.dep.anl.gov
Hi:-)
Again I think that spread sheet offers some unique opportunities for
mathematics instruction.
Creating a spreadsheet that contains the calculation: Cell A divided by
Cell B equals Cell C gives students a fraction to decimal converter. When
I do this with my class however I do not give them the equation, but rather
allow them to discover it the same way that we discovered that the division
carried out gives the decimal name for the fraction. If you have been
using some discovery methods within your classroom for area etc. all of
these calculations can then be transfered to the spread sheet.
The power of this then becomes the ability to graph the data in multiple
ways by highlighting the data in various ways and then selecting the
auto-graph options that are part of all spreadsheet programs. A wonderful
discovery comes from comparing these graphs which use the same data,
selected in various ways. Thought provoking questions such as - Which
graph allows for an accurate prediction of the next set of data? etc.
become an amazing learning tool both for the students and I think you will
find also for the teacher.
Take the time to play with the spreadsheet application that is available in
the software package that you have. Try out various algebraic sentences
and play with the graphs that can be generated. I think you will be
pleasantly surprised:-)
Eileen
*****"Every student is gifted, some are just presents************************
that have not yet been opened."
Eileen Abrahamson
e-mail: 0191enel@informns.k12.mn.us
Enhancing Students Learning Through Technology
Collaborative Project
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