An algorithm for multiplying natural numbers is described. The algorithm provides a chance for some unusual drill and might serve as an enrichment topic. (MK)

Descriptions of four gifted programs are offered in articles titled "Career Education for Gifted Students in Illinois" (J. Ellis and B. Ford); "Interage Program for Critical Thinking" (H. Masterson); "Talcott Mountain Science Center" (D. LaSalle); and "Project L.O.G.I.C.--Nurturing the Mathematically Gifted" (W. Foley and B. Spack). (SBH)

Using Taxi-Cab Geometry (a non-Euclidean geometry program) as the starting point, 14 mathematically gifted British secondary students (ages 12-14) were asked to consider the differences between Euclidean and Non-Euclidean geometries, then to construct their own geometry and to consider the non-Euclidean elements within it. The positive effects of…

Illustrated is the use of isometric graph paper in the discovery of nonstandard area formulas. The use of definitions, geometric construction, record keeping, and conjectures about triangles, rhombuses, hexagons, parallelograms, isosceles trapezoids, rectangles, and trapezoids are described. (YP)

A diagrammatic approach to invariants of knots is the focus. Connections with graph theory, physics, and other topics are included, along with an explanation of how proofs of some old conjectures about alternating knots emerge from this work. (MNS)

Knot theory has been inspirational to algebraic and geometric topology. The principal problem has been to ascertain whether two links are equivalent. New methods have been discovered which are effective and simple. Considered are background information; the oriented polynomial; the Jones polynomial; the semioriented polynomial; and calculations,…

Utilizing composition of elementary functions as prototype of dynamical system, notions of periodic points and their orbits in relation to concept of shift map are used to illustrate concept of continuity. A special case of Sarkovskii's theorem, dealing with period-3 point, is presented with proof relying solely upon Intermediate Value Theorem and…

Introduced are the basic ideas of interpolation and approximation theory through a combination of theory and exercises written for extramural education at the university level. Topics treated are spline methods, Lagrange interpolation, trigonometric approximation, Fourier series, and polynomial approximation. (MDH)

This paper explores the public awareness that there presently exists a crisis in mathematics education and a "dumbing down" of the curriculum, examines the nature of this crisis and argues that there has been a lowering of cultural, pedagogical and cognitive expectations with respect to most learners. The notion of cognitive development in…

This activity guide is a supplement to the November 1996 issue of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Student Math Notes. It contains a series of problems based on one main story problem. Using this problem and the other problems contained in the guide based on it, students explore different mathematical concepts such as graph theory,…

A puzzle involving computation and pattern observation is described. (SD)

The possibility of non-transitivity of preference choices is discussed. One example each from voting and from sports demonstrate some conditions where transitivity does not hold. Suggestions are made for using this type of problem in the classroom. (LS)