NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

The National Research Council (NRC) is the operating arm of the National Academies Complex, which includes the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The National Research Council was organized in 1916 by the National Academy of Sciences to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and providing impartial advice to the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce Alberts, President of the National Academy of Sciences, and Dr. William Wulf, President of the National Academy of Engineering, also serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.

The Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education (CSMEE) was established in 1995 to provide coordination of all the National Research Council's education activities and reform efforts for students at all levels, specifically those in kindergarten through twelfth grade, undergraduate institutions, school-to-work programs, and continuing education. The Center reports directly to the Governing Board of the National Research Council.

The Mathematical Sciences Education Board was established in 1985 to provide a continuing national capability to assess the status and quality of education in the mathematical sciences and is concerned with excellence in education for all students at all levels. The Board reports directly to the Governing Board of the National Research Council.

Development, publication, and dissemination of this report were supported by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Any opinions, findings, or recommendations expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

High school mathematics at work : essays and examples for the education of all students / Mathematical Sciences Education Board.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Mathematics—Study and teaching (Secondary)—United States. I. National Research Council (U.S.). Mathematical Sciences Education Board.

QA13.H54 1998

510'.71'273—ddc21

98-19669

Permission for limited reproduction of portions of this book for education purposes but not for sale may be granted on receipt of a written request to the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20418.