The mathematics curriculum should be imbedded into the cultural environment of the student. Discussed is the mathematical educational potential of decorative motif. (PK)

Discusses the use of flexible straws for teaching properties of figures and families of shapes. Describes a way to make various two- or three-dimensional geometric shapes. Lists eight advantages of the method. (YP)

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)

Explores the following classical problem: given any 30 points on a circle, join them in pairs by segments in all possible ways. What is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the interior of the circle can be separated? Presents strategies for solving this problem. (PK)

Quilt-making is presented as an activity that helps elementary school children recognize and appreciate geometry in their world while developing their problem-solving skills. Students choose an appropriate pattern and cooperatively make the quilt. Related measurement questions and problems are provided. (MDH)

Describes some developmental changes in children's free creations with pattern blocks and demonstrates how to build on this natural interest to teach Logo programing. (PK)

Four activity workshops are suggested which might be used for several different purposes. The reproducible worksheets address clock patterns, patterns with tides, extending Pythagoras, and fractions extended. (PK)

Includes patterns for and a brief discussion of the polyhedra: octahedron, tetrahedron, dodecahedron, cuboid, prism, and star. (PK)

Investigates the arithmetic curiosity that when any integer is raised to the fifth power, the digits unit of the result is always the same as the digits unit of the original number. Explores results in number bases other than 10 via the computer. (PK)