Genetic algorithms (GAs) are a problem solving strategy that uses stochastic search. Since their introduction (Holland, 1975), GAs have proven to be particularly useful for solving problems that are "intractable" using classical methods. The language of genetic algorithms (GAs) is heavily laced with biological metaphors from evolutionary…

A review lesson based on a sports car rally is described and illustrated. It teaches detailed map reading as well as providing drill on any subject desired. Pairing students is beneficial for several stated reasons. Some students may design their own rally for presentation to the class. (Author/KM)

Describes a classroom project involving the construction of a holiday mobile. Necessary supplies include a lightweight hanger, construction paper, string, scissors, protractors, compasses, and rulers. Concepts involved in the construction of the project include illustrating a chord, radius, diameter, shapes, metric measuring, circumference, area,…

A fifth-grade class runs its own school supply store. Children take turns running the shop. Purchasing objects involves completing order blanks and counting change. Shopkeepers fill out detailed records. Motivation for correct computation and careful record keeping is high. (SD)

A variety of methods for indirectly measuring the height of a flagpole are described for classroom use. (JT)

Some activities involving distances and diameters in the solar system are discussed. (MP)

The use of solid cardboard geometric shapes as molds to make candles is presented as a possible mathematics enrichment activity. (MP)

The on-off settings of a series of eight switches determines the code to open garage doors. Presented are two problems asking the probability that two people would have the same garage door opener code or whether a specific person would have the same code as another person in the neighborhood. (MDH)

Specific examples of activities that have been effective in classrooms are described. (LS)

Describes an action research project conducted in eighth-grade algebra and prealgebra classes. Suggests ways in which students can use their creativity to progress from a simple solution method to a method that produces a generalization and a formula. (AIM)

This supplementary mathematics textbook is designed to teach pupils in the intermediate grades about the vocabulary and use of the metric system of measurement. The book limits exploration to the units of measurement for length, capacity, mass, temperature, area, and volume, with only the following prefixes considered: kilo, hecto, deka, deci,…

Presented are articles selected from the "Arithmetic Teacher" and the "Mathematics Teacher," designed to supply teachers with meaningful and useful learning activities that can be adapted to specific classroom needs. The following major strands in mathematics are covered: (1) Counting and Place Value; (2) Whole Numbers and Integers; (3) Number…

Presented is one of a series of resource guides designed to provide students with an improved mathematics program. This guide emphasizes real-life situations focusing on the operation of a store. Classes are divided into grocery, meat, produce, drugs, and hardware sections at the beginning of the course. Students learn how to organize, collect,…

Presented is one of a series of resource guides designed to provide students with an improved mathematics program. This guide emphasizes hands-on experiences for secondary students through real-life situations focusing on measurement in the home. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to use both customary and metric units in…

This 1981 yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers classroom ideas for teaching statistics and probability, viewed as important topics in the school mathematics curriculum. Statistics and probability are seen as appropriate because they: (1) provide meaningful applications of mathematics at all levels; (2) provide…