Many ways exist to engage students without detracting from the mathematics. Certainly some are high-tech options, such as video games, online trivia sites, and PowerPoint® presentations that follow the same model as Jeopardy; but sometimes low-tech options can be just as powerful. One exciting way to connect with students is by incorporating…

Many middle school students approach math with caution, often trepidation, and generally less-than-complete confidence. Several factors contribute to their views of what math actually is (a system of rules to follow and formulas to apply) as well as who might be good at it (people who can see the path to an answer and calculate quickly). A few say…

Middle grades are a critical time for capturing the interest and imagination and developing the potential of mathematically promising students. This is a time for students to make sense of mathematics, build a solid foundation and enthusiasm, and set the course for the highest levels of mathematics in the future. This is a time to explore their…

The well-planned writing workshop is an effective tool for expanding the mathematical discourse of students and helping them become more skillful writers in the discipline. This article reviews a step-by-step process for conducting a workshop and details different reader response strategies. It also offers suggestions for various types of…

This article discusses a relatively unnoticed application of mathematics by describing its connection with an aspect of music, in particular, the musical scales. Stemming from a problem found in a Year 9 mathematics textbook commonly used in Singapore, the article illustrates the role of mathematics in musical scales by first considering the…

Competitions at one high school are described: they try to attract as many participants as possible, not just excellent students. In one type, creativity is stressed; another is a tournament; a third involves problem solving activities. Examples are included. (MNS)

Suggest several math activities using the simple technique of tapping a sugar maple tree for sap. Information and activities presented are useful in tapping one or two trees on school property, helping students who tap trees at home, or leading a field trip to a nearby maple sugaring site. (ERB)

Decimal expansions of fractions are considered. Theorems and corollaries for some properties and for prime and composite denominators are presented. It is suggested that students write computer programs to deliver decimal expansions. (MNS)

Some lesson ideas with magic squares are given. The parametric form of three-by-three and four-by-four squares are each discussed and a worksheet is included on doing and making magic squares. (MNS)

Computers were successfully integrated into the mathematics program of fifth and sixth graders, with a special emphasis placed on learning to develop computer programs in order to develop skills in math problem solving. Such experience with computers can aid in the early attainment of advanced mathematical concepts. (Author/PB)

Described is an activity demonstrating how a scientific calculator can be used in a mathematics classroom to introduce new content while studying a conventional topic. Examples of reading and writing large numbers, and reading hidden results are provided. (YP)

Reviewed are short articles that contain new insights on topics taught in the early years of undergraduate mathematics. Included are the elementary theory of curves defined by the combination of polynomials, the differentiability of the sine function, and another proof of the irrationality of the square root of two. (Author/JJK)

Illustrated is the use of isometric graph paper in the discovery of nonstandard area formulas. The use of definitions, geometric construction, record keeping, and conjectures about triangles, rhombuses, hexagons, parallelograms, isosceles trapezoids, rectangles, and trapezoids are described. (YP)

Introduced are the basic ideas of interpolation and approximation theory through a combination of theory and exercises written for extramural education at the university level. Topics treated are spline methods, Lagrange interpolation, trigonometric approximation, Fourier series, and polynomial approximation. (MDH)

The article outlines a series of mathematical tasks for gifted students (aged 7-12 years), stressing the value of research and inservice education that is firmly teacher and classroom based. (Author/DB)