In this paper, we shall highlight the potential of integrating mathematical modeling and applications in the senior secondary mathematics curriculum. We shall describe a study where eleventh grade students worked on an investigatory activity based on the topic of matrices which is a part of their curriculum. The activity provided a natural context for the use of computer algebra systems and spreadsheets, both of which served to facilitate tedious calculations in order that students and the teacher could focus on insights gleaned from the investigations. A comprehensive survey taken by the researcher at the end of the activity revealed that students were able to appreciate the relevance of mathematics to real life problems. Technology served the purpose of a ‘mathematical investigation assistant,’ as proposed by Arnold [1], giving students control over what they were learning. Further, students actively engaged in processes such as making conjectures, simplifying and generalizing problems, looking for patterns, selecting between representations and, most importantly, generating new problems for exploration.

mathematical modeling, applications, computer algebra systems, spreadsheets, technology-enabled explorations.