The Experimenter's A-Z of Mathematics: Math Activities with Computer Support

by Humble,Steve

• ISBN13: 9781853468179
• ISBN10: 1853468177
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Mathematics at all levels is about the joy in the discovery; it's about finding things out. This fascinating book is a guide to that discovery process, presenting ideas for practical classroom-based experiments and extension activities. Each experiment is based on the work of a key mathematician who has shaped the way that the subject looks today, and there are historical notes to help teachers bring this work to life. The book includes instructions on how to recreate the experiments using practical mathematics, computer programs and graphical calculators; ideas for follow-up work; background information for teachers on the mathematics involved; and links to the new secondary numeracy strategy framework. Accompanying the book is a CD-ROM with downloadable computer programs that can be used and reworked as part of the experimental process. With a wide range of topics covered, and plenty of scope for interesting follow-up activities, the book will be a valuable tool for mathematics teacherslooking to extend the curriculum.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What is Mathematics?
What's It All About?
Algebra and Descartes	p. 1
Buffon, Probability and Pi	p. 7
Cryptology and Ciphers	p. 11
Dragon Curve	p. 15
Euler and Polyhedra	p. 20
Feigenbaum Number	p. 25
Gambling, Probability and Abraham de Moivre	p. 30
Hanoi Towers	p. 34
Integers and Lagrange	p. 38
Jordan, Barnsley, Matrices and Ferns	p. 44
Kissing Circles	p. 51
Life and John Conway	p. 56
Million Dollar Prizes and Prime Numbers	p. 62
Newton and Gravity	p. 67
Odd, Even and Fibonacci Numbers	p. 72
Pi or [pi]	p. 76
Quadratics and Juggling	p. 82
Ramanujan	p. 87
Squares that are Magic	p. 90
Taylor Series in Your Calculator	p. 94
Universes, Time Travel and Einstein	p. 99
Von Neumann and Computers	p. 104
Wolfskehl, Wiles, Pythagoras and Diophantus	p. 109
X,Y,Z Coordinates, Descartes and Tennis Balls	p. 114
Yo-yos, Superballs and Other Toys	p. 119
Zoo Time with Tigers and Sea Shells	p. 125
Links to the National Curriculum	p. 131
Index	p. 132
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.