The application of the programmable calculator to evaluating complicated formulas is illustrated by considering the formula for finding the area of any triangle when only the lengths of the three sides are known. Other advantages of the programmable calculator are discussed such as freeing the student to explore more challenging problems and…

THE "DEMONSTRATION PROJECT" DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT REPRESENTED A MAJOR PART OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY-WEBSTER COLLEGE "MADISON PROJECT," BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER, 1961, AND EXTENDING THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 1967. THE GOALS AS CONCEIVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THIS PROJECT WERE (1) TO CREATE EXPERIENCES IN MATHEMATICS…

This book emphasizes the importance of teaching mathematics in a meaningful way. It is designed for elementary school teachers who are interested in why and how certain mathematical concepts and skills work. Topics discussed include: numbers and numerals; sets and sentences; the teaching of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in the…

Suggestions are offered for more effective implementation and creativity in developing new mathematics programs. The new mathematics materials and projects have not significantly altered the educational experiences of students because of (1) difficulty in identifying distinctive features of the various projects, (2) widespread assumptions that the…

The "geometry of distortion" and some prestidigitation show kids that lines, surfaces, and planes are not always what they seem. (Editor)

This review of research on secondary school geometry is drawn from the NCTM publication, "Classroom Ideas from Research on Secondary School Mathematics." Considered are the following topics: goals, content, time, textbook use, activity-oriented instruction, teacher communication, homework, student characteristics, proof, problem solving,…

Discusses the development of visual thinking in students. Also presents a strategy that incorporates visualization exercises within the framework of traditional mathematics. The technique appears successful for students studying geometry, fractions, and problem solving. Visualization abilities increase understanding and therefore give students…

This document contains the proceedings of 1999 annual meeting of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group (CMESG). Papers include: (1) "Mathematics Lecture I: The Impact of Technology on the Doing of Mathematics" (Jonathan Borwein); (2) "Mathematics Lecture II: The Decline and Rise of Geometry in 20th Century North America" (Walter…

A summary of the changes in content and method taking place in secondary school geometry in South Australia. (MM)

The following ideas are presented: plans for constructing a calculator bin rack that provides a place for a school to store and charge calculators; a lesson in geometry based on a news article about salt containers; and a very simple approach to the concept of infinite geometric series. (MP)

Three teaching ideas are presented: (1) the use of "factor cards" to teach the concept of greatest common factor; (2) examples and tools used in student graphing in three dimensions; and (3) ways to use cuisenaire rods, cubes, and flats to discover binomial expansions. (MP)

A didactic principle of operative concept formation is described and explained. It is argued that this principle meets current demands for practical geometric activities with concrete forms and for the exploration of the primordial relation between geometry and reality. (MK)