The Mathematics Pentathlon is a tournament of mathematics games held each spring since 1979 to promote the development of mathematical concepts and skills while fostering interaction among the educational community. There are five games in each of four divisions, for grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7. The focus is on active problem solving and…

The materials described here represent the conversion of a highly popular student workbook "Sets, Probability and Statistics: The Mathematics of Life Insurance" into a computer program. The program is designed to familiarize students with the concepts of sets, probability, and statistics, and to provide practice using real life examples. It also…

This middle school mathematics unit is organized around themes relating to sports activities in the Boston (Massachusetts) region and has a content focus on decimals and percents. The activities follow a story line which features a sports reporter (the student) and his/her assignments and adventures. Each activity begins with a headline, defines a…

The activities in this monograph are self-contained explorations into mathematical topics not often included in regular classroom work in grades 3-8. They were selected because of their intriguing enjoyment and because they deal with honest mathematics; they also strengthen skills, especially problem-solving skills. Included are activities with…

This document looks at specific applications of calculus to engineering. It is noted that for an automobile traveling at constant speed, the mathematical relationship between the directional heading and the angular deflection of the steering wheel can be calculated with respect to time. An analysis is presented which derives the relationship from…

This 1981 yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers classroom ideas for teaching statistics and probability, viewed as important topics in the school mathematics curriculum. Statistics and probability are seen as appropriate because they: (1) provide meaningful applications of mathematics at all levels; (2) provide…

A wide variety of materials are listed and described in this resource guide. Listings include textbooks, enrichment materials, manipulative materials, and study units appropriate for students in grades K-12. Materials reviewed cover the full range of mathematical subject matter, and vary widely in their approach. Listings are arranged according to…

Presents the 17th annual listing of mathematics education research published by this journal. Lists references alphabetically by author within the three categories of research summaries, articles, and dissertations. Indexes appropriate references with an age or grade level. Annotates studies which focused on mathematics education. (TW)

The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) is the voice of two-year college mathematics in the United States and Canada, and it has more than 40 affiliate organizations in the two countries. The organization is designed to promote professionalism among mathematics faculty at two-year colleges. This AMATYC publication…

Describes a mathematical investigation of gold--how it is weighed, stored, used, and valued. For grades 3-4, children estimate the value of treasure chests filled with gold coins and explore the size and weight of gold bars. Children in grades 5-6 explore how gold is mined and used, and how the value of gold changes over time. (PVD)

Presents examples of using the computer to enhance teaching function evaluation using BASIC, Riemann sums using MAPLE computer algebra systems, and linear programing using MATLAB. (YP)

Solves the problem of the reproduction of rabbit pairs utilizing the Fibonacci sequence. Examines modified versions of the problem, and presents a vignette of one modification based on the author's experience in using the approach with preservice middle school teachers. Extends the approach to other related problems. (MDH)

Presents a series of activities using data collection and interpretation techniques designed for levels 1-8, 1-5, 3-6, and 4-8 that integrate mathematics and social studies through the common theme of television viewing. Includes an activity sheet for parents to use with their children, three class-activity sheets, and a data sheet. (MDH)

Proposes the critical analysis of science fiction as a motivational enhancement for students to be strategically engaged in the learning of scientific concepts. Exemplifies this strategy with the analysis of the data presented in the science fiction short story, "Maelstrom II" written by Arthur C. Clarke, utilizing mathematical concepts…

Described are some classroom experiences teaching the concept of symmetry by having students create frieze patterns using the computer software "mosaic." Examples produced by 14-year-old students are presented, and student thinking in developing the friezes is discussed. (MDH)