Discussed is the difficulty that students encounter when attempting to distinguish between independent and dependent variables, not only in the mathematics classroom, but also when devising and labeling graphs resulting from chemistry or physics experiments. (JJK)

Included in this probability board game are the requirements, the rules, the board, and 44 sample questions. This game can be used as a probability unit review for practice on basic skills and algorithms, such as computing compound probability and using Pascal's triangle to solve binomial probability problems. (JJK)

Discussed are summary recommendations concerning the integration of some aspects of discrete mathematics into existing secondary mathematics courses. Outlines of course activities are grouped into the three levels of prealgebra, algebra, and geometry. Some sample problems are included. (JJK)

Describes the history and the rationale behind the Structured Sixth Form Scheme, the national secondary school mathematics education program in England, generated by the Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) School Project. Discusses the grading system, the implementation schedule, and the advantages of this program that was approved in June…

Provides illustrated problem settings that serve as models for generating new investigations of the three-dimensional figures that result from a transformation of two-dimensional patterns. (JJK)

The Spirograph, a device used for artwork and designs, is utilized to explore the mathematical topics of symmetry, ratio, divisibility, and modular arithmetic. A worksheet for each topic is included along with pedagogic information and extensions and also the answer key. (JJK)

Presented is a method for factoring quadratic equations that helps the teacher demonstrate how to eliminate guessing through establishment of the connection between multiplication and factoring. Included are examples that allow the student to understand the link between the algebraic and the pictorial representations of quadratic equations. (JJK)

Annotated are questionnaire responses from 88 state and regional contest supervisors concerning trends in calculator usage and nonusage among 59 represented mathematical contests. Discussed are advantages and disadvantages for specific contest problem types with respect to both pencil-and-paper and calculator methods of solution. (JJK)

Described is a classroom activity incorporating a computer spreadsheet to study number patterns generated by the Fibonacci sequence. Included are examples and suggestions for the use of the spreadsheet in other recursive relationships. (JJK)

Described are two methods of classroom management that attempt to optimize the first few moments of the class period. One method focuses on using the prior day's homework, and the other uses new problems presented to the students to work on as they enter the classroom. (MDH)

The teaching of negative numbers poses problems at the school level. A historical account of the intellectual difficulties in the evolution of negative numbers and a method of viewing negative numbers as an extension of the number system to help overcome these difficulties are presented. (MDH)

Discusses the mathematical, philosophical, and pedagogical problems in the theorem of mathematical induction. Argues that mathematical induction is a meta-theorem, that is a theorem within a theorem, whose pitfalls and illusions of rigor should be discussed before implementation into the school curriculum. (MDH)

Examples and solutions to these problems are presented. Figures for which different equations are necessary are presented. The use of the geoboard for this exploration is emphasized. (CW)

Presented is a simple method which may be used to determine points of intersection in graphs of functions if they do exist. Several examples are given with illustrations of the functions. (CW)

Various methods for solving the problem of finding when the hour and minute hand of a watch have the same direction are explored. The relationship of these problems to the educational environment and the maturity of the student are discussed. (CW)