Delta-K Volume 20 Issue 3

Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Volume 20 Issue 3, April 1981

From the Desk of the New Editor

Ed Carriger’s first issue of delta-K was Volume 13, Number 1,
December 1973. His last was Volume 20, Number 2, February 1981. During these seven years, Ed gave unselfishly of his time and effort to produce a journal that is well recognized across North America. I pledge to maintain the high quality of delta-X. Of course, I will need your assistance. Please feel free to send me anything from a one-paragraph announcement to a one-page idea, position statement, or whatever, to a 10- (or more) page article.

Our past treasurer, Don Hinde, also retired this year after serving as treasurer for seven years. Don always had information at his fingertips and kept the books meticulously. We are pleased that Don is continuing on the executive as a director.

Dick Kopan, our president, found it necessary to resign in midyear because he accepted a teaching position in British Columbia.

We will miss these officers, but wish them success in their continuing professional endeavors.

What’s inside? In addition to some important announcements and reports and some very useful ideas, this issue contains two major articles. Dr. Jim Timourian, the Mathematics Department representative on MCATA, answers the question, “Why Study Mathematics?” His article will be of special interest to secondary teachers. The second article, by Ediger, discusses some concrete ways in which the operations of union and intersection of sets can be made meaningful to elementary school children. While many elementary teachers may not like the symbolism used, the ideas are certainly basic and the approach concrete.

George Cathcart

1 – 2

Front Matter

From the Desk of the New Editor

George Cathcart

4 – 8

Reports and Announcements

Ron Cammaert

9 – 10

P l u s + + +

Ron Cammaert

11 – 13