In some secondary mathematics curricula, there is a topic called Stereometry that deals with investigating the position and finding the intersection, angle, and distance of lines and planes defined within a prism or pyramid. Coordinate system is not used. The metric tasks are solved using Pythagoras' theorem, trigonometric functions, and sine and…

All teachers, especially high school teachers, face the challenge of ensuring that students have opportunities to relate and connect the various representations and notions of mathematics concepts developed over the course of the pre-K-12 mathematics curriculum. NCTM's (2000) Representation Standard emphasizes the importance of students being…

In this article, the author offers two well-known mathematical images--that of a dot moving around a circle; and that of the tens chart--and considers their power for developing mathematical thinking. In his opinion, these images each contain the essence of a particular topic of mathematics. They are contrasting images in the sense that they deal…

This module, designed for use at the high school level as a four- to eight-hour topic, includes: the geometry of a sphere, the coordinate system used to describe points on the earth's surface, parallel and meridian sailing, and the solution of right spherical triangles. (Author/MK)

The concept of trigonometric ratios in a right triangle can be clearly presented through the use of interactive-geometry software. Investigation in this manner allows students to see the crucial features of the concepts before they are formalized and to gain ownership of these ideas through discovery. Many examples of the mathematical…

Discusses whether a map can be constructed using only the distances between 15 selected cities. Concepts used in the discussion come from geometry, matrix theory and trigonometry. (PK)

Argues for teaching different approaches to solving problems. Using a geometric example, alternative solutions are given which use synthetic geometry, transformation geometry, analytic geometry, complex numbers, trigonometry or vectors. (PK)

This is the teacher's edition of a text for the first year of a two-year high school geometry course. The course bases plane and solid geometry and trigonometry on the fact that the translations of a Euclidean space constitute a vector space which has an inner product. Volume 1 deals largely with affine geometry, and the notion of dimension is…

Recounts a classroom experience which investigated whether any integral solutions for the law of cosines would be analogous to "Pythagorean triples." Several interesting relationships were discovered. (PK)

The author suggests ideas intended to lead to independent study on topics including trigonometry, Pythagoras, algebra, transformational geometry, primes, and countability. The ideas are based on Islamic patterns devised using a square lattice of dots and repeated reflections. (PK)

This is the teacher's edition of a text for the second year of a two-year high school geometry course. The course bases plane and solid geometry and trigonometry on the fact that the translations of a Euclidean space constitute a vector space which has an inner product. Congruence is a geometric topic reserved for Volume 2. Volume 2 opens with an…

In 1988-89 the Connecticut Vocational-Technical School System initiated a program for the ongoing review and upgrading of all trade and academic curricula used in the system's 17 schools to insure that each curriculum is consistent with current standards. Every 3 years the Curriculum Steering Committee for the trade or academic subject conducts a…

Describes three pieces of practical work (hands-on activities) which have been successful in Scottish secondary schools. Activities involve geotiles, working with percentages, and activities for higher mathematics. (PK)