Quoting slidegeek <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>:

,,,,,I still think that, rather than consign a sliderule to
> a glass display case, it would be a useful tool in Math education. If
> we could slant this group to this kind of discussion, it would give us
> a unique niche in the sliderule world.
>


Yes Indeed!!!

Are there any teachers in this group?

Teaching subjects where students use massive calculators with something
approaching a TV screen on it, to solve elementary problems in physics
or engineering?

And getting irritated that students press the bottons and BELIEVE
anything that pops up?

And wondering why students carry 10 or 12 "junk digits"?

And finding it almost imposssible to speak about significant digits?

And finding it impossible to tell students that they should have a ball
park figure in their heads BEFORE they press the botton, to serve as a
reality check???

I have converted two young (20+) students to the slide rule. They
report that it helps them to think clearly.

My architect colleagues say the formula is to spend 90% of your time
with paper and pencil and 10% polishing the design on the computer. To
design with the computer is the kiss of death.

I would seriously advocate the return of the slide rule for teaching perposes.

Leo