Summarizes findings from research related to spatial abilities. Provided are suggestions for developing spatial abilities. Lists nine references. (YP)

Discusses a calculation method to approximate pi. Describes how to get an approximation to the circumscribed and inscribed perimeters of regular polygons of n sides. Presents the computer program and result of the approximation. (YP)

Describes ways to make magic squares of 4 by 4 matrices. Presents two handouts: (1) Sets of 4 Numbers from 1 to 16 Whose Sum is 34; and (2) The Durer Square. Shows patterns which appeared in the magic squares, such as squares, chevrons, rhomboids, and trapezoids. (YP)

The problem of finding all topological spaces is considered. Two characterizations are presented whose proofs involve only elementary notions and techniques. The problem is appropriate for students in a beginning topology course after they have been presented with the Embedding Lemma. (DC)

Many of the characteristics that make the Windows 3.1 software popular in other settings are useful for instruction. Features and accessories that can enhance teacher productivity include task switching, object linking and embedding, and object packaging. Users can take advantage of Windows-compatible shareware (an example suitable for chemistry…

Describes some mathematical investigations of the necktie which includes applications of geometry, statistics, data analysis, sampling, probability, symmetry, proportion, problem solving, and business. (MKR)

Presents an extension of Pick's theorem for simple closed polygonal regions to unions of simple closed polygonal regions. Students are guided to discover Pick's theorem from sets of data including numbers of boundary points and numbers of interior points. (Author/MKR)

Explores applications of the Fibonacci series in the areas of probability, geometry, measurement, architecture, matrix algebra, and nature. (MDH)

Presents a short study of proper values of two-by-two matrices with real entries. Gives examples of symmetric matrices and applications to systems of linear equations of perpendicular lines intersecting at the origin and central conics rotated about the origin to eliminate the xy term from its equation. (MDH)

Describes activities to be used with fifth and sixth graders to improve students' spatial sense with respect to three-dimensional shapes. Includes the use of cubes, triangular prisms, tetrahedrons, and square pyramids. (MKR)

An activity that shows how mathematics can be used to model events in the real world is described. A way to calculate the area of the sun covered by the moon during a partial eclipse is presented. A computer program that will determine the coverage percentage is also included. (KR)

A variety of suggestions for making the mathematics curriculum more meaningful and interesting to students are described. Activities that incorporate real-world situations are provided for verbal items, common and decimal fractions, estimations and rounding off numbers, large and small numbers, geometry, probability, and statistics. (KR)

The simple physics behind the mechanism of the toy are explained. Experimental and mathematical steps are given that help in understanding the motion of the doll-pair. The geometry of the setup is described. (KR)

Examples and solutions to these problems are presented. Figures for which different equations are necessary are presented. The use of the geoboard for this exploration is emphasized. (CW)

Various methods for solving the problem of finding when the hour and minute hand of a watch have the same direction are explored. The relationship of these problems to the educational environment and the maturity of the student are discussed. (CW)