This article compares the definition of "box plot" as used in the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" with other definitions used in the education community; describes the difficulties students experience when dealing with box plots; and discusses the elaboration that is necessary to enable teachers to develop the knowledge necessary to use them…

The authors illustrate three basic types of reasoning used in mathematics by showing how they operate in practical and mathematical situations. The importance and function of the different types of reasoning in each situation is outlined. As a consequence the authors note that while introducing new techniques by example is good from a pedagogical…

The famous Birthday Problem is a staple in introductory probability texts and can be stated as follows: What is the probability that at least two persons from "n" randomly chosen persons have the same birthday? In this article, the author suggests an adaptation of the birthday problem which can be repeated in class until the full effect is…

In applied mathematics particularly, one is interested in modeling real life situations; that is why, one tries to express some actual phenomenon mathematically, and then uses mathematics to determine future outcomes. It may be that one actually wishes to change the future outcome. Mathematics will not do this, but at least it tells one what to…

In this paper, the author recommends that every teacher of mathematics should undertake an analysis using their own data. She further recommends that they reflect on the outcomes of their analysis and share it with colleagues. Teachers can look at an individual student's results, variations in results between student sub-groups in their classes,…

Pattern generalising problems offer a very rich context for exploring relationships among quantities, expressing generality and representing the same relationship in different ways. Selecting appropriate tasks for students to work on in class is by no means a straightforward process, but there are ways to handle it. This article aims to explore…

Ever since the first mariners sailed off the east coast of Scotland the Bell Rock has claimed many vessels and countless lives. Also known as the Inch Cape Rocks they lie 18 km off the coast at Arbroath. Located near the mouth of the Firth of Forth and its important shipping ports these dangerous rocks cover an area some 440 m long and 90 m wide.…

One section of this "scrapbook" section describes Pythagoras' belief in the connections between music and mathematics -- that everything in the universe was a series of harmonies and regulated by music. Another section explains why Phythagoras felt it important for women to be encouraged to learn mathematics. At least 28 women were involved in his…

Outlines a few classroom applications of mathematics using commercial internet sites such as internet banking, house plans, garden watering systems, and industrial awards. (ASK)

Discusses ways of answering students' questions about when they will use the mathematics they learn in the classroom. Presents examples of the use of mathematical applications in real-life situations. (ASK)

Discusses the role of ratios and percentages in discussions about triple jump performances. (MKR)

The decline in enrollment in mathematics courses at universities is used as evidence of the increasing irrelevance of the mathematics done and taught at that level. (MP)

Two articles in the "Scientific American" form the background of this note. The rainbow angle for the primary bow of a monochromatic Cartesian rainbow is calculated. Special projects for senior high school students could be patterned after this quantitative study. (MP)

This presidential address to the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers discusses some problems surrounding the teaching of mathematics and argues for an approach that would blend together the learning and applying of mathematics. (MP)

Three examples illustrate a method for solving word problems: guess a solution, write an expression to check the guess, and substitute a variable for the guess in the expression. (MP)