Topics for investigation in mathematics classes that arise from the Olympics are discussed. Activities with performance records leading to the development of graphs are illustrated. (MNS)

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)

Included in this section are brief articles on making up a story to explain a graph, the inverse of a function of a single variable, and exotic horse-race wagering and combinatorics. (MNS)

The lesson described first involved tossing a pair of dice and recording on a graph the sum produced on each roll. Pupils examined questions such as which sum occurred most often. The second part involved a graph that indicated which types of sums were most likely to occur. (Author/MP)

Presented are activities concerning the method of graphing the equation y=kx in the Cartesian and other coordinate systems. Students progress from the graph of a straight line to the investigation of conceptually related geometric loci in non-Cartesian coordinate systems. (MDH)

Brief articles are included on creating in first-year algebra, making a Moebius hat, and graphing cubics. (MNS)

Demonstrates that the functions known as the witch of Agnesi and the normal distribution are not identical by comparing the areas under the curves and the slopes of the lines tangent to the curves of the two functions. Suggests follow-up activities to the investigation. (MDH)

Graphs from media sources and questions developed from them can be used in the middle school mathematics classroom. Graphs depict storage temperature on a milk carton; air pressure measurements on a package of shock absorbers; sleep-wake patterns of an infant; a dog's breathing patterns; and the angle, velocity, and radius of a leaning bicyclist…

Using the methods described, pattern representation of operations in modular systems can be developed. (SD)

The game of Sprouts is explained, and some elementary graph theory notions and techniques of game analysis are introduced. (DT)

An activity involving the charting of the spread of a disease is described. Arrows are used to develop models of the progression of the disease. (MNS)

Demonstrates the use of graphing technology to help students develop and interpret three models of jury behavior and explore the potential effect of such actions as changing jury size. MathCAD, an electronic notebook was used. (Contains 10 references.) (MKR)

Students investigate the concept of motion by making simple paper airplanes and flying them in the classroom. Students are introduced to conversion factors to calculate various speeds. Additional activities include rounding decimal numbers, estimating, finding averages, making bar graphs, and solving problems. Offers ideas for extension such as…

Presents three teaching ideas: (1) a scoring rubric to assess students' ability to communicate attempts at solving homework problems; (2) a three-part measurement activity using trigonometry, maps, and compasses to locate hidden treasure; and (3) a demonstration of the effects of numerical coefficients on graphs of quadratic functions. (MDH)

Describes mathematics backpacks containing four mathematics activities designed to (1) strengthen the home-school connection; (2) present open-ended activities that encourage discussion; and (3) engage students and parents in learning mathematical concepts. Provides a sample draft letter to the parents, example activities, guidelines for…