Revisits and discusses the polar bear problem that was published in the March 1997 issue. The problem concerns a riddle: If you walk one mile south, one mile east, and one mile north, and end up in the same spot as you started, what kind of bear would you see? (ASK)

Describes simple experiments to explore the variables and links to a theoretical approach. Using genuine data, develops an application to the drive mechanism for a lift in a deep mine shaft; poses follow-up questions. (ASK)

Describes how the concept of similar triangles was taught using an optical method of estimating large distances as a corresponding activity. Includes the derivation of a formula to calculate one source of measurement error and is a nice exercise in the use of the properties of similar triangles. (Author/NB)

Provides an example of the modeling power of Mathematics, demonstrated in a piece of A-Level student coursework which was undertaken as part of the MEI Structured Mathematics scheme. A system of two masses and two springs oscillating in one dimension is found to be accurately modeled by a system of linear differential equations. (Author/ASK)

Emphasizes the commonalities among classes of polynomial functions. Provides exploratory activities for students as well as a teacher's guide. (KHR)

Presents activities designed to engage students in an experiential and theoretical application of problems in precalculus and to study geometry, coordinate systems, rates, linear applications, and the concept of function. Illustrates problem situations and includes student worksheets and a teacher's guide. (KHR)

Reviews a number of interesting sites on the Internet for mathematics education and considers the different ways in which the information available can be used as a teaching resource. Provides practical guidance on how teachers might take information in text, graphic, and file formats and use it either for themselves or with pupils. (Author/ASK)

Presents attributes of different types of software including Logo, geometric packages, graphical packages, and spreadsheets, each of which offers different opportunities for learning. Investigates the different ways in which the software allows for performing the given task so as to make the mathematics of the task explicit to users. (KHR)

Presents a mathematics game appropriate for middle school or high school students that aids in the teaching and understanding of closure properties. (Author/NB)

Demonstrates that the equation of a circle (x-h)2 + (y-k)2 = r2 with center (h; k) and radius r reduces to a quadratic equation x2-2xh + (h2 + k2 -r2) = O at the intersection with the x-axis. Illustrates how to determine the center of a circle as well as a point on a circle. (Author/ASK)

Part of a series exploring how mathematics is used in the workplace. Software developers and statisticians record data of hockey games and players using statistics accessible to middle school students. (MM)

Uses a probability tree to predict the most likely wild card team for a National League Championship. (KHR)

Describes an instructional sequence that promotes student understanding of a coordinate system while simultaneously facilitating understanding of linear relationships. (Author/NB)

Presents a summary of the studies done by the Edinburgh Centre for Mathematical Education (ECME) on the use of practical activities in secondary schools. Argues that teachers may remain doubtful about the benefits of practical activities until they try them for themselves. (ASK)

Describes Kerf bending which is used to produced a curved shape out of plywood. Discusses why Radtke's kerf-cut method yields a circular arch. (KHR)