Describes a course in nonlinear mathematics courses offered at the University of Pennsylvania which provides an opportunity for students to examine the complex solution spaces that chemical engineers encounter. Topics include modeling many chemical processes, especially those involving reaction and diffusion, auto catalytic reactions, phase…

Investigates whether elementary school students can construct operations of thought for integers and integer addition crucial for understanding elementary algebra. Two sixth graders were taught using a computer. Results included both students being able to construct mental operations for negating arbitrary integers and determining sign and…

Article is based on the keynote address of the 1987 annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Suggests that George Polya left a legacy which has not only touched knowledge and abilities in mathematics and problem solving but also had significant effects on thoughts about teaching. (PK)

Presents a set of activities, in reproducible format, emphasizing geometry. The activities offer experiences in area measure, whole number and fractional computation, and problem solving in spatial relationships. (PK)

Presents a summary of the arguments for and against calculator use in teaching mathematics. Includes an overview of research and suggestions for calculator use in the classroom. (PK)

Presents reviews of three software packages. These are "Ant Farm," a game of problem solving using guess and check or trial and error; "Learning Place Value"; and a set of three utility programs--"Mastering Math: Diagnostic System,""Mastering Math: Worksheet Generator," and "Mastering Math: Management System." (PK)

This article is based on the 1987 presidential address to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The work of George Polya is used to draw conclusions about teaching and learning mathematics. (PK)

Argues that, though considerable difference of view is evident between Montessori and Piaget about the importance of certain concepts and level of cognitive development necessary for genuine understanding, the ideas and methods first presented by Montessori 80 years ago stand up well when evaluated through the lens of current research. (PK)

Four activity workshops are suggested which might be used for several different purposes. The reproducible worksheets address clock patterns, patterns with tides, extending Pythagoras, and fractions extended. (PK)

Discusses the mathematical properties of magic squares. Includes a computer program that will test magic square criteria. (PK)

Describes methods and software for graphing representation of a complex function of a complex variable. Includes an application of a graphical interpretation of the complex zeros of the cubic and their properties. (PK)

New approaches to the teaching of introductory algebraic concepts are discussed. Their use in the Approaching Algebra Numerically Project in some middle schools in Ohio is reviewed. Some implications for use in Australian schools are considered. (MNS)

Some applications of ratio and proportion to scale drawing involving geometric figures are given. The activities or problems concern the earth and space, scale speeds, and the earth-moon system. (MNS)

The initial effort in applying the SAT-M to young Chinese students revealed that many of them reason extraordinarily well mathematically before age 13 and before having covered the bulk of the high-school mathematics curriculum. The conclusion seems to be that they must have keen analytical ability. (MLW)

Highlights the major areas of research in mathematics education in 1983 (including problem-solving, sex and minority-group differences related to mathematics, and the school mathematics curriculum). Indicates that additional emphasis needs to be placed on technology, problem-solving, teachers' conceptions, and the teaching of algebra. (JN)