When studying mathematics, students often ask the age-old question, "When will I ever use this in my future?" The activities described in this article demonstrate for students a process that brings the power of mathematical reasoning to bear on a difficult decision involving multiple criteria that is sure to resonate with the interests of many of…

Several examples of problems involving measurement that occur in the life of a contractor are presented, along with solutions. Several sample measuring activities for students are included, with comments. (MNS)

It is felt measurement experiences in the elementary grades should include everyday application situations. The activities presented are divided into linear measurement and area measurement categories. The use of the human body as a reference for estimation is stressed throughout. The activities described aim to broaden and extend children's…

Mathematics in nature and in the technological world is discussed. Outdoor activities with mathematical content are listed. (JP)

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,…

Explores applications of the Fibonacci series in the areas of probability, geometry, measurement, architecture, matrix algebra, and nature. (MDH)

In this instructional guide, a third-level, two-semester mathematics course specifically for the student who plans a career in a vocational field is presented. The course is designed to meet the needs of students with varying mathematical backgrounds and to teach the mathematical skills required by various technical areas. In this practical…

A unit on problems involving large numbers can begin with calculating the amounts of ingredients needed to produce several thousand hamburgers. Other sources of computational problems are described. (SD)

Presented is a set of metric education materials developed over a five-year period by the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center (SMTC) at the University of Wyoming. It is called a "Metric Smorgasbord" because it is a set of materials which have considerable variety, were planned to appear to a broad range of instructional tastes, and permit…

A series of situations is suggested incorporating hands-on activities involving concrete experiences with measurement. It is felt that the activities used to teach mathematics and science at the Middle School level need to be specifically suited for the young adolescent. Extensions are possible for in-depth investigations for more advanced…

This mathematics curriculum is designed to be taught by the technology education teacher during the power technology class over a period of 2 years. It is intended to be elective in nature; upon successful completion of both years, one-half credit in mathematics is to be awarded. A list of the academic competencies contained in the curriculum…

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)

Describes an activity that combines a first-grade class, a fifth-grade class, measurement activities, and gorillas in a zoo to extend the mathematics learning environment and include mathematical connections, problem solving, and communications. (MKR)

Drawing floor plans for an apartment is used as the basis for giving students practice in applying the concepts of ratio, fractions, and scale. (DT)