Mr. L’s Math

This is a follow up post to Kali: Symmetry Groups which shows a wonderful java app that creates any of the 17 different wallpaper groups, as well as frieze and rosette patterns.
My students were given the assignment of creating a pattern that intrigued them and writing a short story about the pattern. They were [...]

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Pi is probably the most well-known mathematical constant, and it even has its own special day - March 14 (3.14)! Throughout the world people recognize the significance of pi and its contribution to mathematics in particular and to humanity as a whole.
Each year my students celebrate Pi in several ways. We, of course, have a [...]

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Graphic from Wikimedia Commons, a repository of media licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Every year I ask students to memorize 30 decimal digits of pi. When people ask why, I offer several reasons based on improving student performance and ability. Here are some thoughts on the subject.
It helps students focus on a single task [...]

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After students become familiar with pentominoes, they are ready to use them to explore some algebra. Teachers may present this activity either using the white board, or preferably, with the overhead projector and some pre-made transparent pentominoes (colored for easy location) when projected. Using a transparency grid (half-inch or one centimeter grids work well) [...]

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