With a few simple tools and a surprisingly small number of parts, mathematics instructors from around the US present ways to make historical instruments and learning devices, producing labyrinths, Napier's Bones, the Towers of Hanoi, Pythagorean and string models, French curves, a panimeter, a cycloid pendulum clock and a brachistocrone. As each project is the pet of an individual instructors, information on projects varies but most include background on the mathematics behind the construction, step-by-step instructions on building and operating the device, a list of references, and illustrations, which vary from period line art to amateurish snapshots. Depending on the project, this could work to liven up students from elementary school through college. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This volume is a compilation of articles from researchers and educators who use the history of mathematics to facilitate active learning in the classroom. The contributions range from simple devices such as the rectangular protractor that can be made in a geometry classroom, to elaborate models of descriptive geometry that can be used as a major project in a college mathematics course. Other chapters contain detailed descriptions on how to build and use historical models in the high school or collegiate mathematics classroom. Some of the items included in this volume are: sundials, planimeters, Napier's Bones, linkages, cycloid clock, a labyrinth, and an apparatus that demonstrates the brachistocrone in the classroom.Research shows that students learn best when, as opposed to imply listening or reading, they actively participate in their learning. In particular, hands-on activities provide the greatest opportunities for gaining understanding and promoting retention. Apart from simple manipulatives, the mathematics classroom offers a few options or hands-on activities. However, the history of mathematics offers many ways to incorporate hands-on learning into the mathematics classroom. Prior to computer modeling, many aspects of mathematics and its applications were explored and realized through mechanical models and devices. By bringing this material culture of mathematics into the classroom, students can experience historical applications and uses of mathematics in a setting rich in discovery and intellectual interest. Whether replicas of historical devices or models used to represent a topic from the history of mathematics, using models of a historical nature allows students to combine three important areas of their education: mathematics and mathematical reasoning; mechanical and spatial reasoning and manipulation; and evaluation of historical versus contemporary mathematical techniques.
