I am co-director with Victor Katz (the one who Gerdes says encouraged him,
among others to write his book) of a National Science Foundation Grant (3 yr)
to develop mathematics history modules for the secondary classroom. The
modules are actually being written by secondary teachers and mathematicians
working in teams. We are presently ready to field test modules on linear
equations, negative numbers, combinatorics, exponents and logs, trig, and
geometry proof.
Our institute is going on at the same time Fred Rickey and Victor's institute
on mathematics history is in session. We are using the Catholic University
of America's campus in Washington, D.C. and sharing speakers. Tomorrow
Eleanor Robson is going to give us a talk on the cuneiform in the CU library.
We are also visiting the Archimedes Palimpsest and will have a lecture which
Fred Rickey will give. This week we have heard Karen Parshall discuss North
American mathematics. I believe I am in heaven.
Karen Dee Michalowicz