Author: Michelle Bonds

The Computer Algebra System (CAS) enables students to investigate unit rates, opening up a world of options because the device recognizes words as variables. Teachers can actually enter "one cup of sugar makes two cookies" in fraction form on a TI-Nspire™ CX CAS and get the results shown here.   To promote deep thinking about the topic and engage students in a discussion, ask questions like: Why are these equations true? What stays the same? What changes? What other ratios would work? What other ratios would not work? Asking the right questions is key to starting effective discussions, but what then? Multiple representations help students visually see what the math is doing, which in turn leads to better understanding and skill mastery. Look at the following situation: Joe can mow…

When I was first introduced to a Computer Algebra System (CAS) device, I thought it was a great tool for my AP Calculus class. The more I used CAS activities the more I realized it would be a great tool for all math students. I believe student investigations are key in deeper understanding of mathematics. CAS devices such as the TI-Nspire™ CX CAS handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CAS App for iPad® give students the opportunity to investigate the why's and how's of math. As I think about important skills for students, percentages stand out to me as an important skill for both elementary and middle school students to learn that is not understood completely. The students memorize the algorithms we set before them but never really reach the mathematical understanding…