Six short articles concerned with mathematics education are included. (FL)

A collection of mathematical notes - On the Roots of a Certain Determinantal Equation", A Geometrical Look at the Square Root of Pi", and others. (RP) A class of Second Order

Use of calculators should begin in elementary grades after students have mastered basic math operations. The fear that calculators do students' thinking is well founded if they are introduced before math concepts are mastered. The gains from using calculators are numerous: they free students from drudgery and leave more instructional time. (MD)

The completion of a quarter-century effort by mathematicians to classify all finite simple groups is detailed. The knowledge gained from this classification has already found important applications in many areas of mathematics, and is felt by some to be the crowning achievement of twentieth century algebra. (MP)

This article describes a technique which uses a number line and simple games to teach primary-graders the relative value of different coins. (SJL)

The author describes a method for introducing mathematical induction employing Fibonacci numbers. (MK)

Presents an investigation using data collected by students to explore timelines and pie charts. The activity begins with having students keep a chronological record of their activities for one 24-hour period to create and analyze pie charts that show how they have spent their time. Activity sheet also included. (ASK)