SLATES, SLIDE RULERS, AND SOFTWARE--TEACHING MATH IN AMERICA

 

  The Early Republic

The World Stage 

The Cold War 

The Information Age

Resources

 

Throughout American history, teachers and parents have used objects--from colonial--era slates to modern electronic calculators--to help students master abstract mathematical concepts. These math teaching tools reflect society’s hopes and dreams.

In the early 1800s, reformers introduced devices for elementary instruction, so that the new republic would have educated citizens. By the 1900s, with many more students in high schools, educators and mathematicians introduced new classroom equipment. To encourage the growth of a U.S. research community, university professors bought models designed by German mathematicians
 
SLATE WITH NUMERAL FRAME - Click To Enlarge
SLATE WITH NUMERAL FRAME

  During the cold war, the numbers of students again rose sharply. Believing that technical training would contribute to national security, teachers and mathematicians developed curricula called the “New Math.” Today, with computers and calculators, educators once again are reshaping math teaching for our growing and diverse student body.
 
Graphing Calculator--T1-81 - Click To Enlarge
GRAPHING CALCULATOR--TI-81

  © Copyright 2002 NMAH
National Museum of American History, Behring Center