This article will describe two activities in which students conduct experiments with random numbers so they can see that having at least one repeated birthday in a group of 40 is not unusual. The first empirical approach was conducted by author Cauto in a secondary school methods course. The second empirical approach was used by author Flores with…

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)

Describes a program written in BASIC, called BIGNUM, that was designed to aid in handling big numbers. The program adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, and raises to a power integers of up to 1024 decimal digits and is thought to be usable on many types of machines. (MP)

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,…

Several subtraction algorithms are analyzed to see if they involve borrowing. The main focus is on an analysis of a procedure called the residue method. The operational arithmetic which underlies the symbolic manipulations is examined and conditions where the method does and does not use borrowing are highlighted. (MP)

Ways to make a discussion of the commutative properties of addition and multiplication more interesting to students are reviewed. An alternative promoted is a transposition-of-digits property, seen as useful in a number of instructional situations. The proposed investigation could be structured around calculator use. (MP)

A mathematics course using programmable calculators, which was part of a summer enrichment program for upper elementary and junior high students, is described. (MK)

The article includes a discussion of counting and counting strategies. In addition, there are eight problem sets appropriate for use with groups of different age and ability levels. Suggestions are given for finding variations of the problems. (PK)

Pumpkin seeds are counted after students convert pumpkins to jack-o-lanterns. Among the activities involved, pupils learn to count by 10s, make estimates, and to construct a visual representation of 1,000. (MP)

Emphasizes a real-world-problem situation using sine law and cosine law. Angles of elevation from two tracking stations located in the plane of the equator determine height of a satellite. Calculators or computers can be used. (LDR)

An overview of the disadvantages and advantages of the mini-calculator in the public school classroom. While some educators fear students won't learn basic arithmetic and will become dependent on the calculator, others note its value in skill reinforcement, motivation, job preparation, and saving time in the classroom. (SB)

This book presents 129 problems selected from the calendar problem section of the "Mathematics Teacher" to supplement regular mathematics textbook offerings for middle grade teachers and students. The problems are categorized by six topics: (1) Numbers; (2) Computation; (3) "Oldies but Goodies"; (4) Offbeat and Unusual; (5)…

This document reviews approximately 200 children's books in mathematics for the early grades. The 1975 and 1976 editions of "Children's Books in Print" were used to generate the book list, and all but approximately 20 of the titles listed were located for this review. Each review presented describes content and accuracy, illustrations and their…

The intent of this text is to provide students in a variety of science and technology disciplines with a basic understanding of mathematics commonly used in introductory texts in such disciplines. The first five chapters develop skills needed for efficient numerical calculation. The last five chapters examine the basic properties of elementary…

Discusses the mathematical properties of magic squares. Includes a computer program that will test magic square criteria. (PK)