This activity guide is a supplement to the November 1996 issue of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Student Math Notes. It contains a series of problems based on one main story problem. Using this problem and the other problems contained in the guide based on it, students explore different mathematical concepts such as graph theory,…

Considered is the open-ended question of the various means of marking an n-inch ruler so that the distance of any integral number of inches from 1 to n can be ascertained with a single measurement. The relationship between a sparsely marked ruler, which is one gracefully marked with the fewest number of marks, and specific discrete graphs is…

Clapping music for two performers provides the basis for a series of mathematical problems in combinatorics and group theory. A discussion provides insight about how to avoid overlooking global extrema in constrained max-min problems when solving systems of algebraic equations. (JJK)

To illustrate that the writing and utilizing of declarative language programs can be a straightforward task in a logic class, a logic system is defined and a truth-table generator and validator are implemented using PROLOG programing language. Also, using BASIC programing language, an example of a contour map is presented. (JJK)

Discussed are the rationale for, and the benefits accrued from, the use of graphing calculators within all aspects of the secondary mathematics curriculum. Examples are included that highlight specific features of graphing calculators. (JJK)

A series of four activities are presented to enhance students' abilities to appreciate and use trigonometry as a tool in problem solving. Activities cover problems applying the law of sines, the law of cosines, and matching equivalent trigonometric expressions. A teacher's guide, worksheets, and answers are provided. (MDH)

Tips are given on how and when to use videotaped lessons to provide for continued classroom productivity in spite of anticipated, or even unexpected, absence of the mathematics teacher. In an accompanying article, a graphical approach to determine whether a limit exists is explored with numerous examples and illustrations. (JJK)

Two trigonometry problems are presented. The first compares the graphs of the functions arcsin[sin(x)], arccos[cos(x)], and the identity function f(x)=x. The second, using the law of cosines, demonstrates that the solution of a triangle knowing two sides and the excluded angle is no longer ambiguous. (MDH)

The first idea concerns a board game similar to tic-tac-toe in which the strategy involves the knowledge of the factorization of quadratic polynomials. The second game uses the calculation of the surface areas of solid figures applying the specific examples of cigar boxes and cylindrical tin cans. (JJK)

Following a brief historical review of the mechanism of mathematical modeling, examples are included that associate a mathematical model with given data (changes in sea level) and that model a real-life situation (process of parallel parking). Also provided is the rationale for the curricular implementation of mathematical modeling. (JJK)

Presented are student activities that involve two standard problems from geometry and calculus--the volume of a box and the bank shot on a pool table. Problem solving is emphasized as a method of inquiry and application with descriptions of the results using graphical, numerical, and physical models. (JJK)

This compilation consists of 26 consecutive issues of the journal "Seedbed," published from February 1979 through July 1986. Each issue contains articles written by teachers for teachers. "Seedbed" is an outcome of the Teachers' Center Project at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. It is designed to be neither scholarly nor trivial. Each…

Based on the idea that children learn language and mathematics in much the same way, and that they can learn both simultaneously, the five sections of this journal present teaching ideas addressing various aspects of this process. The first section discusses the "language of math" with reference to both the child and the teacher. The…

This document consists of two issues of the journal "Seedbed," an outcome of the Teachers' Center Project at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Designed to be neither scholarly nor trivial, each issue is a collection of teachers' ideas that they thought worth sharing with other teachers as "seedlings" to be developed, helping teachers…