An event based on "find the rule" problems has been part of the University of Canberra Maths Day since 1985. In this paper, the authors describe the Swiss event, its context, its aims, its logistics, and gives examples of problems used in past events. The type of problems used, how they are used in an event at the maths day, and how the event…

Tennis is a sport in which the mathematics involves an unusual scoring system together with other applications pertinent to the draw for different types of tournaments and the relative ratios of points won and lost. The name of the sport is thought to have originated from the French word "tenez", which translates roughly as "to receive (the…

This article is the sequel to the use of "Flatland" with beginning algebra students reported in Sriraman (2003). The use of "Flatland" with beginning algebra students resulted in the positive outcomes of cultivating critical thinking in the students as well as providing the teacher with the context necessary to introduce sophisticated mathematical…

The Golden Ratio is sometimes called the "Golden Section" or the "Divine Proportion", in which three points: A, B, and C, divide a line in this proportion if AC/AB = AB/BC. "Donald in Mathmagicland" includes a section about the Golden Ratio and the ratios within a five-pointed star or pentagram. This article presents two computing exercises that…

The term "quantitative literacy" is used in this article to reinforce its importance in catering for reform-based curricula in Australia. The medium chosen for the problems discussed in this paper is the newspaper. The purpose of this article is to tie together traditional views of the importance of problem solving with the current aims of…

In early 2004, Cabrilog released version "II plus" of their interactive geometry package. According to the author, "Cabri Geometry II plus" is clearly a much more useful package than the earlier version. However, unlike other sophisticated applications packages, the designers have avoided creating so many options that secondary students lose their…

Technology is evolving and now some secondary classrooms see students using computer algebra systems (CAS), however, Zbiek (2003) points out that "graphical representations seem to abound in CAS-using classrooms" and "many [research] studies of the use of CAS depend highly on the graphing component of the tool". Kissane (2001) suggests that with…

This article presents a brief biography of Paul Erdos, who focused on problem-solving, particularly in the areas of number theory, combinatorics and graph theory. During his life he had no property, no family and no fixed address. He buttered his first piece of bread at age 21. He never cooked, nor ever drove a car. Another mathematician, Ron…

Not so long ago, the common response of teachers to high school use of computer algebra systems (CAS) was invariably along the lines of, "What will be left to teach if our students have access to devices which solve, factorise, do calculus and more?" and "If students use such tools, then they will never learn how to do their mathematics, and their…

Implementing best practices like cooperative learning, using concrete manipulatives, problem solving, technology, active learning, multi-age grouping, and team teaching have shown benefits for students when learning mathematics concepts within the curriculum (Zemelman, Daniels & Hyde, 1998; NCTM, 2000). What started as a professional development…

The history of mathematics is full of rich examples that can help students to see the place of the discipline within our cultural heritage. Valuable as this can be, it also has the unfortunate side-effect of making students think that all the math has already been done and they do not get a sense that the subject is dynamic and growing.…

Education systems around the world are talking about "lifelong learning", "futures", "critical literacies", and so on. What do these things mean in the context of being a teacher of mathematics? In this article, the author attempts to put these things into perspective. She contends that, in clarifying any situation that requires some mathematical…

Presents findings from observations of 11th- and 12th-grade mathematics classes in Goa, India. Discusses classroom environment, senior-year curriculum, teacher background in India, and sources of student motivation. Includes sample questions from the comprehensive year 12 high school mathematics examination. (KHR)

Presents a project that addresses several components of the Algebra and Communication Standards for Grades 9-12 presented in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000). Describes doing mathematical modeling and using the language of mathematics to express a recursive relationship in the perimeter and area of the Koch snowflake.…

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