A short history of mathematical Olympiads in the People's Republic of China is given. Sample problems are included. (MK)

The article includes a short history of polygonal numbers, a method for finding the root of a polygonal number, and suggestions for using polygonal numbers in the classroom. (MK)

Some classroom discoveries are reported concerning artistic patterns related to Pascal's triangle that can be generated by the computer. (MP)

Classroom related topics discussed are: cryptics and statistics; understanding absolute value; recognizing quadratic equations with no real roots; and two derivations of a formula for finding the distance from a point to a line. (MP)

The concept of density is discussed. Three activities in which students can determine the density of materials are suggested. (DT)

Names of mathematicians are hidden in a grid. (DT)

Directions are given for making a model of a three-dimensional coordinate graph. (DT)

Pre-written, supporting conversational programs written in BASIC are available for use in introductory statistics courses designed for college undergraduates and high school seniors. (MM)

In a learning cooperative, students form groups to work on similar problems or to help each other. The role of the teacher, classroom organization, testing, homework, record keeping, grading, and discipline in a learning cooperative are discussed. (SD)

Nine verbal behaviors of teachers were identified. After twenty Algebra I teachers taught a lesson on direct variation, their students took a posttest. Findings showed that lesson objectives, relevant examples, and "OK" responses correlated positively (p less than .05) with student posttest achievement. (DT)

Presents a ping-pong activity to teach the coordinate plane that puts students in a position to experience and relate to the coordinate plane in a manner that evokes their visual, spatial, and physical senses while linking the plane with a familiar object. (ASK)

Describes an episode involving conditional statements and the notion of logical equivalence that occurred in a 10th-grade college-preparatory geometry class. Illustrates some of the confusion that can arise in connection with this topic, for both students and teachers. (ASK)

Presents a trigonometry problem concerning control of the entry of sunlight through a window. (ASK)

Describes desktop teaching which involves giving students individual topics and having them prepare lessons on those topics to share with the class. Presents the structure of desktop teaching including how to prepare, introduce, set up, implement, and evaluate it. Emphasizes that desktop teaching helps students engage in discussing and learning…

Describes the use of an extended problem-solving assessment task with a Japanese secondary class. Argues that extended problem-solving tasks have the potential to illuminate a much wider range of student performance and to offer learning opportunities almost never realized with more traditional--albeit often quicker--forms of assessment. (ASK)