Some appearances of pi in a wide variety of problems are presented. Sections focus on some history, the first analytical expressions for pi, Euler's summation formula, Euler and Bernoulli, approximations to pi, two and three series for the arctangent, more analytical expressions for pi, and arctangent formulas for calculating pi. (MNS)

One schools' experiences with mathematics contests are described, with American Pi, the Great Calculator Contest, and the Forest View Math Olympics in problem solving each detailed. (MNS)

References to approximations of pi in the Bible and calculations of pi in the Egyptian Phind Papyrus are noted, followed by a finding of an eighteenth-century Polish rabbi about the exactness of the Biblical computation. (MNS)

Three of the modules deal with applications of calculus to other mathematics. These are: 240-Pi is Irrational; 241-The Wallis Approximation of Pi; and 242-Buffon's Needle Experiment. The first of these units focuses on a proof of the irrational nature of pi, and provides exercises and answers. The second module of this group reviews the history of…

This is a not-so-serious discussion of accidental patterns involving chance patterns between mathematics and natural laws and accidental patterns involving the numbers "pi" and "e." (Author/SA)

Presents a day of activities to encourage students to participate in mathematics. Five contests include poster; model; mathematics puzzle; mathematics problem challenge; and essay. Some student entries and the rules for each contest are described. (MKR)

Presents three stories from mathematics history that can be integrated into classroom teaching: (1) the account of how Eratosthenes measured the circumference of the earth to discuss the concept of units in measurement, (2) ideas from Archimedes, Vite, and Descartes to introduce pi, and (3) the discovery of the Cardanic formula as an example of…

Since 1982, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has published a student periodical five times a year. Each four-page issue focuses on a single theme, developing it from a simple opening-page activity through more challenging extensions at a higher level of understanding. In this document each four-page issue published from September,…

The Monte Carlo procedure of generating random points that lie within the unit square is used to approximate pi, as the ratio of points within the first quadrant of the unit circle to the total number of randomly generated points. A BASIC computer program for this method is included. (JJK)

Contained in this column are articles discussing the following topics: cross-number puzzles, an intuitive development of pi, a three-column proof format, and an easily constructed kit to be used in acquainting students with the wrapping function used in introducing circular functions. (MP)

The evolution of Archimedes' method is traced from its geometrical beginning as a means to approximate pi to its modern version as an analytical technique for evaluating inverse circular and hyperbolic functions. It is felt the web of old and new algorithms provides considerable instructional material, and ideas are offered. (MP)

This is a series of research projects that can be used for enrichment of the high school mathematics curriculum. It is suggested that the topics are either not found in the standard curriculum or represent a more indepth study of standard topics. The areas considered are: applications of the microcomputer in mathematics; the fourth dimension and…

Many of the suggestions that calculus instructors have published as articles from 1908 through 1973 are included in this book of readings. The main criterion for selecting an item was whether it would be helpful to teachers and students; therefore, those which dealt exclusively with curricular structure were not included. The selected articles are…

This monograph presents geometric activities designed to foster curiosity and inquiry on the part of both students and teachers as they explore geometric ideas for 0 to 3 dimensions. Activities can be used in whole class presentation, small groups, or individual study. Grade levels span K-8. Suggested questions promote communication and sharing,…