In this article, a classroom teacher discusses ambiguities in mathematics vocabulary and strategies for ELL students in building understanding. The authors note that mathematics vocabulary may be more difficult to learn than other academic vocabulary for several reasons: (1) definitions are filled with technical vocabulary, symbols, and diagrams;…

Most students love to play games. Ernest (1986) believed that games could be used to teach mathematics effectively in four areas: motivation, concept development, reinforcement of skills, and practice of problem-solving strategies. Fifteen is an interesting and thought-provoking game that helps students learn mathematics at the same time. Playing…

Card tricks based on mathematical principles can be a great way to get students interested in exploring some important mathematical ideas. In this article, the author discusses a simple spreadsheet implementation that shows students why the card trick works and allows them to explore several variations. As an added bonus, students are introduced…

Media Clips aims to offer readers contemporary, authentic applications of quantitative reasoning based on print or electronic media. Clips may be in text or graphic format, and clip sources may be either print or electronic media.

Describes a calculator-based lesson designed to use technology as a tool to enhance students' conceptual understanding of functions. (KHR)

Describes the mathematical needs of electricians and in so doing, indicates where the trainers of electricians strike a balance between skills, understanding, and problem solving. (KHR)

Outlines several recommendations for teaching probability in the secondary school. Offers an activity that employs simulation by hand and using a programmable calculator in which geometry, analytical geometry, and discrete mathematics are explored. (KHR)

Describes some interesting features of the book "Sumario Compendioso," first written in North America so that others can use it to enrich their classes and forge links between mathematics and other subjects. (KHR)

Uses poems incorporating mathematical terms to help students apply their knowledge of mathematics to another field and give evidence that what they had learned had become a useful and easily accessible part of their general experience. Includes assignment sheets. (KHR)

Introduces a special triangle for which many different problems can be posed on the basis of one unusual property. Presents three problems and considers different approaches for the first problem. Explores other mathematical problems using the "What if not?" strategy that can be used as classroom activities. (KHR)

Presents two ancient problems, trisecting any angle and dividing a circle into any number of equal parts. Illustrates how to use these problems to prompt students to think broadly and creatively about problems instead of letting the apparent boundaries of the problem limit their thoughts. Combines three-dimensional solutions to the problems to…

Suggests several approaches that allow students to explore the implications of Varignon's parallelogram theorem. (KHR)

Describes Kerf bending which is used to produced a curved shape out of plywood. Discusses why Radtke's kerf-cut method yields a circular arch. (KHR)

Presents a map-projection activity that combines mathematics and geography through investigating the proportion of land and water that covers the earth. Focuses on helping students become familiar with characteristics of different projections or representations of the world while estimating and graphing and encouraging them to investigate the…

Discusses how the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded curricula stack up against the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)'s "Principles and Standards". Identifies distinctive features of the five textbook series and includes an example that shows some of these features for each series. (KHR)