Mathematics and Society - OS X Lion Server

[OMPUTCQC DNDTUb bNVIODNMbNTComputers can be used in different ways in the classroom, depending on studentbackground and access to the equipment. The study of environment can lead to twodifferent kinds of student activities on the computer: using simulations and writingprograms.Programming requires some understanding of a computer language while simulationsrequire none. They both enrich a student's learning experience.Simulation PackagesIf a computer terminal is available,find out what programs are already storedfor your use. An example of a simulationis one from the Huntington II projectcalled POLUT. The student controls thetype of water, water temperature, type ofwaste (industrial or sewage), waste dumpingrate and type of treatment. The outputis a graph or table showing the conditionscreated.Other Huntington II simulations concerning ecology deal with population growth,animal extinction and animal and insect control. The programs are written in a computerlanguage called BASIC and are short enough to be used in most school terminals.Each program can be purchased on paper tape and is accompanied by a student manual,teacher's manual and resource information. The entire package for each simulationcosts less than $3 and is excellent for anyone, even with no computer background.The Huntington II Computer Project materials are available from these two companies:Digital Equipment CorporationS"ftware Distribution Center146 Main StreetMaynard, MA 01754Hewlett Packard Company11000 Wolfe RoadCupertino, CA 95014Writing ProgramsThere are many activities on theenvironment that lend themselves to computerusage because of the complex calculationsinvolved. In some cases, handcalculators can also be used as a timesavingdevice and may be less expensivethan a computer. Some activities may bedone by the entire class, where each studentfinds different statistics but willuse the same formulas and program. Thecomputer would be quite useful then.183