This article presents a reflection on a teaching experience involving the use of the Brügner tangram, an interesting but little-known manipulative material. It details an activity conducted as part of an undergraduate mathematics education course for prospective primary school teachers. The main objective of this paper is to present the…

Given the importance of algebra, middle school mathematics teachers have a responsibility to help students transition from understanding arithmetic to understanding the algebra that will be necessary for success in high school. One method of transition involves introducing algebraic concepts in concrete ways using meaningful contexts. The series…

This article provides an overview of vertex-edge graphs as an essential topic in the high school mathematics curriculum, including rationale, recommendations, and sample applications. A classroom-ready activity with full teacher notes is also included. (Contains 1 table and 9 figures.)

A mathematical derivation is given, developing the cardioid as an epicycloid locus. Curve-stitched designs are given for a family of epicycloids. (MP)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)

Topics discussed are: triangular numbers; three proofs of the surface area of a sphere; reverse notation; highest common factors; square roots from a graph; and clock geometry. (MP)

Curve stitching activities can be used to motivate calculus students. The problem described here involves showing that a given envelope of a curve is parabolic. (SD)

Equations or systems of equations can be associated with letters of the alphabet printed in the coordinate plane. Messages can be coded and decoded with a computer or by hand. (SD)

Teaching ideas are presented on the following topics: the number line, earthquakes and Venn diagrams, homework, and flow proofs in geometry. (MP)

Rational points in the plane were defined as points having both coordinated rational. Students solved several problems linking rational points with lines, circles, and other geometric figures. (SD)

Activities involving copying, enlarging, and translating stick figures can enhance students' understanding of graphs. (SD)

Directions are given for making a model of a three-dimensional coordinate graph. (DT)

Describes a classroom activity designed to give students hands-on experience using technology and geometric visualization, as well as to explore fractal geometry in a cooperative classroom environment. Natural phenomena is the context of these activities. Enriches understanding of Euclidean geometry and infinite sequences. Lists materials,…

This book is the third in a three-volume set prepared to assist elementary-school teachers in the improvement of mathematics instruction. Each volume begins with a scope-and-sequence chart which assigns topics to seven levels. In later sections at least one objective is defined for each topic, and a series of activities related to objectives is…

Presented are two exercises on the differential geometry of curves. A generalization dealing with smoothness conditions is given that relates the two exercises. Included are the definitions, theorems, propositions, and proofs. (KR)