Mathematics

The Acorn range for secondary mathematics

The Acorn range of computers offers a perfect classoom solution for secondary mathematics. With the simplest A-series 32-bit computer, classroom computing is within every school's range. At the other end of the scale the Risc PC computer offers immense power, and is capable to offer full access to the world of IBM-compatible software, (eg Derive and Cabri Geomètre). A full range of inexpensive spreadsheets, databases, DTP, and mathematical formula generation software is available on the Acorn platform. With the ease of use of the RISC OS windows interface, once you learn how to operate one, they are all the same. With spreadsheets, pupils can sense real control as they enter formulas to generate sequences, or simple data sets to generate graphs and charts. Pupils find the drag and drop interface of RISC OS remarkably easy when using DTP to write their coursework reports. Charts, formulas and data sets are easily incorporated to produce a professional-looking document.

Spreadsheets and DTP software

A spreadsheet offers countless opportunities for teachers and pupils to explore and illustrate mathematics and mathematical concepts. Here the Fibonacci sequence can be investigated interactively, since the graph will change when any of the numbers are changed.

Using Autograph in the classroom

Autograph is a suite of programs designed specifically for teachers. Written by teachers at Oundle School (Peterborough), it provides a truly interactive medium for bringing the subject to life in the classroom. Already in use in hundreds of schools in the UK and Australia, it includes arguably the world's most sophisticated graph plotter, and a series of topic-specific programs in pure mathematics and statistics. Many schools are choosing Acorn computers for their mathematics classroom in order to run Autograph and spreadsheets, irrespective of other platforms that may already be installed in their school.

The Autograph graph plotter can accept implicit equations in true notation, and as such is an incredibly versatile tool for the teacher and pupils alike. Here the make-up of a particular solution to a first-order differential equation is being developed and compared with its analytical solution.

Autograph includes programs on pure topics: trigonometry, matrices, transformations, and sequences. The eight programs on probability and statistics include histograms, scatter diagrams, binomial/poisson, and the central limit theorem. Illustrated here is the Two-Dice program which investigates the relationship of the observed results with the expected distribution.

FACTFILE a selection of suppliers for the Mathematics classroom:

Beebug Ltd 01727 840303 Supplier of hardware and network solutions and Ovation DTP

S.J. Research 01223 416715 "Nexus" shared hard-disc system for a maths lab

Eastmond Publishing 01832 273444 Autograph teaching software and TV splitter cables

Computer Concepts 01442 63933 Impression Style DTP Formulix

Icon Technology 01162 546225 Techwriter

Colton Software 01223 311881 Resultz Spreadsheet

Longman Logotron 01223 425558 Eureka Spreadsheet

Clares Micro Supplies 01606 48511

Plot Lindis I.T. 01986 785476 Presenter

Serious Statistical 0151 327 4268 First Statistics Software

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