Graphing Calculators Aren't Just for High School Students

Graphing calculators are revolutionizing the learning and teaching of mathematics. Students can view and manipulate graphs of functions in a matter of seconds. Such features as “plot,” “graph,” “trace,” and “zoom” offer opportunities for users to develop an understanding of the terms variable and function. According to the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 1989), these concepts are vital aspects of the middle school curriculum. According to the standards document, “[A]n ideal 5-8 mathematics curriculum would expand students' knowledge of numbers,… patterns and functions, and the fundamental concepts of algebra” (pp. 65-66). In addition, “[T]echnology, including calculators, computers, and videos, should be used when appropriate” (p. 67). It stand to reason that tools to aid in understanding such concepts as variable and function, specifically graphing calculators, should not be reserved for high school juniors and seniors. This article discusses the use of graphing calculators by students of middle school age in an enrichment program for academically able, but economically disadvantaged, students. The exercises described helped students develop an understanding about variable and function. Students were actively engaged in problem solving that involved hands-on, real-life activities.