Presents an activity to teach piecewise functions using wax paper and rectangular grids. Helps students understand the idea of different pieces by literally "piecing" together a new type of mathematical function. Also describes a followup activity and explains how piecewise functions can be graphed using graphing calculators. (NB)

Presents a perspective on the nature of the use of proofs in high school geometry. Compares three currently used approaches to the geometry curriculum: (1) traditional geometry with no explanation of the axiomatic system; (2) hands-on geometry with no proofs until the end of the course; and (3) experimental geometry with no proofs. (DDR)

Presented preschoolers and first graders with 3-term inversion problems such as 3 + 2 - 2 and similar standard problems to examine whether children used the inversion principle and if use was based on qualitative identity, length, or quantity. Found that both age groups showed evidence of using inversion in a fully quantitative manner, indicating…

Presents five guided activities that use a graphing calculator to help students discover the fundamental theorem of algebra. Includes student worksheets and illustrates solutions. (KHR)

Describes how one kindergarten classroom made pictographs and paper graphs of the students' acting preferences for a production of "The Wizard of Oz." Focuses on how the activity led to varied mathematics and literacy connections. Identifies implications from the Oz experience, including relating graphs to classroom contexts, using…

Describes interesting problems encountered when building a model of the solar system in an elementary classroom. Uses mathematics and technology to help solve problems and answer questions. Finds that investigating misconceptions can lead to exciting science lessons. (NB)

Suggests use of the quadratic formula to build understanding that connections between factors and solutions to equations work both ways. Making use of natural connections among concepts allows students to work more efficiently. Presents four sample problems showing the roots of equations. Messy quadratic equations with rational roots can be solved…

Discusses the importance of research on the use of mathematical, logical, and formal methods in information retrieval to help enhance retrieval effectiveness and clarify underlying concepts of information retrieval. Highlights include logic; probability; spaces; and future research needs. (Author/LRW)

Presents a recounting of the work of Kepler and Wiles, great minds who made a tangible impact on the field of mathematics but who had to overcome seemingly insurmountable roadblocks. (KHR)

Discusses the compass and the straightedge in terms of Euclidean geometry. Includes a worksheet in the text. (KHR)

Investigates the idea of the center of mass of a polygon and illustrates centroids of polygons. Connects physics, mathematics, and technology to produces results that serve to generalize the notion of centroid to polygons other than triangles. (KHR)

Explores young children's intuitive strategies for partitioning sets of objects. (Author/NB)

Established methods of teaching multiplication (tables, flash cards, repetitive exercises) do not work well with adult underachievers. The properties and concepts of multiplication of whole numbers must be presented as observable, fun, and practical. Finger math methods may succeed where pencil and paper fail. (SK)

A description is given of an inservice teacher education program that stimulates integrated learning of math-technology concepts for early childhood educators. Professional development includes teacher leadership concepts, the development of a "model" classroom, and a videotape library. (JD)

Critiques findings and interpretations of an investigation of the role of schooling and urbanization on the acquisition of conservation of physical quantities in Senegalese children. Concludes that the investigation showed a smaller impact of schooling, even in the rural milieu, than a previous study of Senegalese children. (RJC)