Network Analysis is an observational system focusing on the relationships of individuals within a system--their subgroups, their leaders, and the frequency of their communications. The strength of relationships can be measured by examining the incidence and duration of intercommunications. Using data accumulated by questioning each member of the…

Knot theory has been inspirational to algebraic and geometric topology. The principal problem has been to ascertain whether two links are equivalent. New methods have been discovered which are effective and simple. Considered are background information; the oriented polynomial; the Jones polynomial; the semioriented polynomial; and calculations,…

Fractal geometry is explored, with sections on snowflakes and flow snakes, Mandelbrot's definition of fractal, and other fractals. (MNS)

The Minnesota School Mathematics and Science Teaching (MINNEMAST) Project is characterized by its emphasis on the coordination of mathematics and science in the elementary school curriculum. Units are planned to provide children with activities in which they learn various concepts from both subject areas. Each subject is used to support and…

This 19-page workbook presents the elementary student with topological concepts through sequences of pictures with related questions. Generally the questions ask, "How are the pictures different?" and "How are they the same?" Several topological concepts are presented in this manner: connectivity, number of holes, closed and open curves, networks,…

The notions of topological equivalence for one-, two-, and three-dimensional figures, as well as for graphs and networks, are developed for classroom use with children between the ages of three and ten. Properties of open and closed curves are also examined. This manual, addressed to the teacher, describes several activities related to each…

Using this guide and the four popular books noted in it, a student, working independently, will learn about some of the classical ideas and problems of topology: the Meobius strip and Klein bottle, the four color problem, genus of a surface, networks, Euler's formula, and the Jordan Curve Theorem. The unit culminates in a project of the students'…

This volume is the twenty-eighth in a series of 29 coordinated MINNEMAST units in mathematics and science for kindergarten and the primary grades. Intended for use by third-grade teachers, this unit guide provides a summary and overview of the unit, a list of materials needed, and descriptions of four groups of lessons. The purposes and procedures…