Provided are student activities to introduce the geometric concepts of line symmetry and rotational symmetry as related to Hawaiian quilting patterns. Paper squares, scissors, and folding techniques afford the teacher the chance to stimulate class discussion about pattern recognition and to integrate mathematics with the cultural world outside the…

Postulated here is the notion that the exploration of number patterns with calculators is a valuable mathematical learning activity that should be commenced in the primary grades. Various activities are presented that make use of the constant function key, which is available on many of the inexpensive four-function calculators. (JJK)

The focus of this article is patterns and pattern making using geometric figures. Included are sequentially planned activities for K-8 students that help them first to discover the attributes of various figures and later how to combine these figures into patterns. Finally, this information is applied to real world activities such as quilting and…

Several math activities designed to teach patterns which can be found in arrays of 16 squares organized into a four-by-four pattern are presented in this issue of "Student Math Notes." The activities include: (1) determining how many squares and rectangles are contained in a four-by-four array; (2) figuring out the least number of lines…

Mathematics activities and facts related to pi are presented in this issue of "Student Math Notes." Included are: (1) an exercise based on Buffon's needle problem in which pieces of toothpicks are dropped onto a ruled surface; (2) a calculation of pi to 200 decimal places; (3) exercises related to Biblical and ancient Chinese…

Five sets of activities for students are included in this document. Each is designed for use in secondary school mathematics instruction. Topics include: (1) "5-Con Triangles"; (2) "Striking Sequences"; (3) "Invariants"; (4) "On the Ball," (a geometry lesson); and (5) "Coloring Maps." These topics focus on geometric and statistical concepts. Each…

The first idea concerns a board game similar to tic-tac-toe in which the strategy involves the knowledge of the factorization of quadratic polynomials. The second game uses the calculation of the surface areas of solid figures applying the specific examples of cigar boxes and cylindrical tin cans. (JJK)

This publication takes a look at lesson study both in its Japanese form and as it is being implemented in the United States. It contains the lesson study process, the rationale for using such an approach, and illustrates how teachers and administrators around the United States are taking the first steps toward adapting and implementing lesson…

Considered is the open-ended question of the various means of marking an n-inch ruler so that the distance of any integral number of inches from 1 to n can be ascertained with a single measurement. The relationship between a sparsely marked ruler, which is one gracefully marked with the fewest number of marks, and specific discrete graphs is…

Clapping music for two performers provides the basis for a series of mathematical problems in combinatorics and group theory. A discussion provides insight about how to avoid overlooking global extrema in constrained max-min problems when solving systems of algebraic equations. (JJK)

To illustrate that the writing and utilizing of declarative language programs can be a straightforward task in a logic class, a logic system is defined and a truth-table generator and validator are implemented using PROLOG programing language. Also, using BASIC programing language, an example of a contour map is presented. (JJK)

The discrete mathematics topics of trees and computational complexity are implemented in a simple reliability program which illustrates the process advantages of the PASCAL programing language. The discussion focuses on the impact that reliability research can provide in assessment of the risks found in complex technological ventures. (Author/JJK)

The role of mathematics as a critical determiner of employment is noted, and the "significant absence of women and minority students in mathematics classes" is given attention. The need to gain competence in mathematics skills and confidence in mathematical abilities calls for programs to increase student participation, motivation, and…

Part I describes the presentation of six different proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem by groups of three students in a party atmosphere. Part II delineates the analysis behind a student conjecture concerning the area of certain closed polar-coordinate figures. Part III proposes a categorical worksheet for determining when to apply the proper rule…

Based on the idea that children learn language and mathematics in much the same way, and that they can learn both simultaneously, the five sections of this journal present teaching ideas addressing various aspects of this process. The first section discusses the "language of math" with reference to both the child and the teacher. The…