Some topics in mathematics are unique because they can be explored by learners from the early grades through the advanced grades. An example of such a topic is polygon rings. Presents activities on polygon rings that integrate problem solving, reasoning, and communication. (Author/ASK)

Uses the history of China to present examples of mathematics that can be usefully employed in primary classrooms. Challenges teachers to translate these ideas into practical activities for children. (Author/CCM)

Discusses the role of project work in primary mathematics using a junior primary class example to illustrate the role of the teacher in creating a climate for effective mathematics learning. (Author/CCM)

Presents concrete time-teaching models to teach about making connections to fractions and measurement in which students literally measure time by using Cuisenaire rods on a form of number line to discover the meaning of the language used to describe the passing of time. (ASK)

Explores an unexpected connection between a function, its inverse, and the arithmetic mean, algebraically and graphically. (MM)

Describes the Circle Scribe Disk Compass and explains its use in helping children to explore patterns and geometry. Topics include Fibonnacci's spiral and regular polygons. (MM)

Provides a collection of calculator-based lessons developed by teachers for use in their daily mathematics lessons. Features whole class teacher-led activities, small group activities, and games. Provides teaching suggestions for the activities and general information about teaching with calculators. Includes a reference to a fuller online…

The current time "measuring system" has taken on a life of its own, bearing only an approximate resemblance to the natural occurrences it set out to measure. The "analemma equation of time" was created to precisely set our clocks by converting irregular sun time to the even, regular tempo of mean time. In this article, the equation is described in…

Even for those passionate about both cricket and maths, each can have their dull moments. This article brings together the sometimes-dry binomial distribution with a problem of cricket matches where the result of the series has already been decided, and so are "dead". It is hoped that readers will become more interested in at least one…

Two technology-oriented activities are used successfully with entry-level geometry students during their study of symmetry. Reflection symmetry gives students opportunities to deepen their understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts like slope and symmetry, in a flexible and self-paced way.

For many years I have been advocating the use of hands-on materials to assist students in the understanding and application of mathematical concepts. Some of the methods have been introduced as small parts of earlier Discovery articles, (de Mestre, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999a, 1999b, 1999c, 2000a, 2000b, 2001), but here I propose to devote the whole…

The possibilities for using graphic calculators to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics are great. However, the boundaries explode when these powerful tools for learning are connected to data logging devices: a whole new approach to mathematics learning becomes possible. Using real world data to introduce the main functions (which are…

The activity "First One Home" in the Shell Centre's "Problems with Patterns and Numbers" Blue Box gives rise to a number of interesting patterns for those looking beyond the basic solution given in the book. The game is for two players, each taking turn and turn about to move a single counter on the grid down and/or to the left…

Sixth-grade students were exposed to two pairs of mathematics assignments. Assignment Pair A included a high-effort and a moderate-effort assignment, each containing 18 three-digit by two-digit (3x2) problems. Assignment Pair B was similar except the high-effort assignment contained six additional one-digit by one-digit (1x1) problems interspersed…

This note presents a teaching suggestion, using the history of mathematics, to give students from middle school and high school the possibility of facing problems found in old mathematics books and comparing their solutions with those given in those books. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)