The author and his first-year algebra students explored the quadratic behavior behind the parabolic shape of fountains at the local family splash park. This hands-on discovery project has three main parts: (1) gathering data by experimenting with and photographing the fountains; (2) analyzing the photographs to obtain numerical data; and (3)…

A series of activities are presented on worksheets marked off with lattice points (like a geoboard). Students are led to discover and apply Pick's Theorem for finding the area of a polygon whose vertices are lattice points. (JP)

A series of laboratory or discovery activity worksheets lead the student to explore the relationship between a given polygon and a figure constructed by rules generated by properties of the given polygon. (JP)

Outlines a guided discovery activity for ascertaining the conditions which allow for the correct tracing of networks. (JP)

Worksheets designed to aid in the instruction of graphing on the Cartesian coordinate system are presented. Finding areas and perimeters of polygons the pupils graph are the intended lesson topics. (MP)

An activity-based unit on congruence and similarity is described. The themes underlying the unit are the usefulness of analogy in determining mathematical principles, and the notion that the number of conditions imposed on figures affects the number of factors which must be specified to insure congruence or similarity. (SD)

Methods of motivating junior high school students in the study of mathematics includes use of contemporary materials, introducing topics related to history, applications, and recreations, and providing for guessing, laboratory experiences, and discovery. (SD)

Students, using the materials provided, can determine the number of diagonals, number of triangles formed by the diagonals, and degree measures of interior and exterior angles of regular polygons. The activity is designed to lead them to general formulae for polygons with n sides. (SD)

A formula comparable to Pick's formula for area of a polygonal region on a geoboard is presented for the situation in which the standard unit is an equilateral triangle instead of a square. (JP)

Different regular-polygon-shaped candles wound with a sheet of paper are cut through obliquely. When the papers are unwound, unique patterns are revealed. Investigation of these patterns leads to the discovery of geometric concepts. (JP)

Homemade geostrips, "angle-fixers" (cardboard circular sectors) and brass fasteners can be used by students to explore properties of angles, triangles and other polygons. Several games and other activities are suggested. (SD)