Outlines sources of federal money for precollege science and mathematics education. Summarizes programs of various organizations: (1) National Science Foundation; (2) Department of Energy; (3) American Association for the Advancement of Science; (4) National Science Teachers Association; (5) National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; and (6)…

Results of a study of 117 eighth-grade math students suggest: mastery-based methods were more effective than non-mastery methods in improving lesson achievement; computer-based and traditional delivery systems are of greatest value when complementing each other; and student attitudes were only nominally affected by various treatments. (IAH)

Uses a graphing calculator to predict the record for running a mile, throwing a shot put, and high jumping for any year in the future and the probable record for any year before statistics were kept, based on the statistical analysis of prior records. Data tables and a computer program are provided. (MDH)

Shares information on selected characteristics of Hispanic and Haitian students that may affect their mathematical learning; gives examples of classroom strategies that may be helpful in working with these students; and offers ways to help preservice teachers to develop cultural awareness. (MKR)

Examines how differences in teaching practices in middle school mathematics classrooms diminish black students' opportunities to understand, communicate, and apply mathematical ideas. A pedagogical framework of responsive mathematics instruction for black male students is described. (GR)

Reports (n=16) preservice science and mathematics teachers' findings and reflections from an assignment to conduct case studies of workers from a variety of settings to investigate the knowledge and skills necessary for high school graduates to be successful in the present-day workplace. (Author/MKR)

Presented are two reasons discouraging computer symbol manipulation systems use in school mathematics at present: cost for computer laboratories or expensive pocket computers; and impracticality of exact solution representations. Although development with this technology in mathematics education advances, graphing calculators are recommended to…

Exponential growth is examined through an example describing the number pattern formed by postage stamp issuance. Number tables and graphs are used to discover the functional relationship between the number of new stamps issued and time. (MDH)

Presents three teaching ideas involving (1) results of participation in the annual American Statistical Association's poster contest for students in grades K-12; (2) a variation on an annuity problem in which the contribution each year is increased by a given percentage; and (3) concrete activities to help students understand the meaning of radian…

A study determined the abilities of students to interpret and represent graphs by asking 15-year-old female students (n=10) to write stories to accompany any 3 of 12 graphs presented. Results indicated that the students were not able to accurately relate real life situations to graphical forms. (MDH)

Encourages a symbiotic relationship between secondary school library media specialists and teachers to promote the goals of Advanced Placement programs. Advanced Placement courses are explained, and recommended materials and support needed from the library media program are described for the curriculum areas of English, history, and mathematics.…

Discussed is the place and teaching of trigonometry in a NCTM Standards-based mathematics curriculum. Presented is how these standards can be implemented in a technology-rich environment that encourages reasoning, communication, problem solving, and confidence building. Examples focus on functions, graphical sense, modeling, and identities. (KR)

Presented is the development of school geometry in contemporary Greece since the era in which the secondary education system was established (1836). Identified and interpreted are the reasons for the endurance of Euclid's Elements as the basic component of school geometry in Greece. (KR)

A workshop is described in which students design various shapes from the basic rectangle. The polypopagon is used as an example of something that can be made out of simple, everyday materials yet be related to the greater, integrated enterprise of discovery and invention. Directions for making polypopagons are included. (KR)

Discusses the rationale and use of problem fields which are sets of related and/or connected open-ended problem-solving tasks within mathematics instruction. Polygons with matchsticks and the number triangle are two examples of problem fields presented along with variations in conditions that promote other matchstick puzzles. (11 references) (JJK)