During the author's eighteen-year tenure as a high school mathematics teacher, there has been one question that she has yet to answer: "Why don't students do homework?" On the basis of research, many factors may lead to a student leaving homework undone. A student may lack the drive to complete work out of school. Or a student may choose…

Today's classrooms are much different from those of yesterday. The increased diversity of learners, students' familiarity and attraction to technology, and the improved availability of technology in education have made it increasingly possible for teachers to use various forms of technology in instruction. The responsibility for addressing these…

A project that mixes algebra with data collection, uses technology, extends into data analysis, and cooks marshmallows can excite both teachers and students. This article describes a project that intends to pique students' interest in higher mathematics, incorporate their knowledge of parabolas, and offer a meaningful mathematics experience. Using…

The article focuses on engaging students in algebra through modeling real-world problems. The technique of least squares is explored, encouraging students to develop a deeper understanding of the method. (Contains 2 figures and a bibliography.)

Presents suggestions for improving textbook and classroom word problems: (1) Avoid composing exercises that inspire unanswerable questions, (2) State problems in terms of the future instead of the past, and (3) Find motivation for solving a problem beyond idle curiosity; some advantage should be gained from solving the problem. (MKR)

Classroom activities that provide meaningful practice, and at the same time motivate students, are the subject of this article. Several activities appropriate for first-year algebra are discussed; e.g., a prepared matrix of algebraic numbers, cross-factor puzzles, and number tricks. (MP)

A card trick that can be explained and justified using first-year algebra is presented. It illustrates the power of mathematics to unmask seemingly complex situations. (MNS)

The following teaching ideas are presented: a game called 110 used to provide drill in remedial mathematics; an examination of a general formula for the lateral area of a nonright cylinder; nontraditional approaches to extraneous roots and quadratic equations; and an introduction to standard deviations. (MP)

Relationships among the sides are developed for right triangles whose sides are in the ratios 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. The golden ratio appears in the results which can be used in secondary mathematics. (DC)

Example of magic tricks that can be used as an integral part of various lessons in arithmetic and algebra are given. Their mathematical basis is also discussed. (MNS)

Five problems are given which are designed to challenge gifted students while giving them opportunities to use algebraic concepts. Solutions are provided. (MNS)

Four teaching ideas are discussed: a "giant" math problem designed to motivate students to use library sources, calculators, computers, and textbooks; a different way of finding fractional equivalents; a task-card project designed to encourage mathematics students to use libraries; and journal writing in a mathematics class. (MP)

Describes a project combining precalculus and transition mathematics students focusing on popcorn by comparing popping ratios of different brands of popcorn and finding what size box could hold the most popped corn. Project design required group effort and cooperation. Students exhibited growth of positive attitudes toward the study of mathematics…