Over a sixteen-week term, the study dove into how chess could enhance math skills for eleventh graders at three public schools in Cartagena, Colombia. It assumed that chess would sharpen their minds and problem-solving prowess. Seventy-one pupils took part, trying out a chess-centric way of learning. Researchers used multiple statistical…

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…

The purpose of mathematics competitions, and in our case the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO), is to promote problem solving skills and strategies, to generate interest and enthusiasm for mathematics and to identify the most talented mathematical minds. SAMO is organised in two divisions--a junior and a senior division--over three rounds.…

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…

Teaching mathematics using graphic calculators has been an issue of didactic discussions for years. Finding ways in which graphic calculators can enrich the development process of creative activity in mathematically gifted students between the ages of 16-17 is the focus of this article. Research was conducted using graphic calculators with…

The main strand of the NRICH project is the NRICH website (http://nrich.maths.org), which was set up in 1996 to cater for secondary-aged pupils who were attending mathematics master-classes at the Royal Institution. By 1998, problems aimed at primary children were included and the site began to provide for students aged five to 18-plus. At this…

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)

Four unusual mathematics problems with interesting routes to solution are presented. A general method of solution to problems of this type is proposed. (MP)

The goals and history of the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary Schools are described. Teams, levels, and gender are discussed, as well as teacher training, administration, scoring, and awards. Sample problems are included. (MNS)

The Australian Mathematics Competition was designed around the content of common school mathematics, and thus is intended for almost all mathematics students, not just exceptional ones. The competition's conceptual and organizational basis and the three levels of competition papers are described. Sample questions are included. (MNS)

Provided is an analysis, using concepts from geometry, algebra, and trigonometry, to explain the apparent loss of area in the rug-cutting puzzle. (MNS)

Most mathematical ideas can be taught with simplicity. It may be necessary to give up the phrase "mathematics education" and replace it with "basic quantitative literacy." (Author)

A mathematics laboratory should be a learning environment where many young minds decide that mathematics is more than practicing "sums" that the teacher assigns. (Author)