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These long chains of perfectly simple and easy reasonings by means of which geometers are accustomed to carry out their most difficult demonstrations had led me to fancy that everything that can fall under human knowledge forms a similar sequence; and that so long as we avoid accepting as true what is not so, and always preserve the right order of deduction of one thing from another, there can be nothing too remote to be reached in the end, or too well hidden to be discovered.

Discours de la Methode. 1637.

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Multicultural Classroom Posters Sets 3 & 4

Multicultural Classroom Posters  (Set 3: Russia, Korea, United States, Egypt; Set 4: Ireland, Aztecs, Babylonia, Inca). Each set of four posters (24.5” by 37”) costs $36.95 or posters can be purchased separately at$10.95 each. Key Curriculum Press, 1150 65th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. (800)-995-Math or http://www.keypress.com/

At the beginning of the school year I obtained these two sets of posters. I strategically placed them around my classroom. The posters reflect on the history of mathematics from different cultures around the world. They consider mathematical accomplishments associated with the cultures of Babylon, Egypt, Incas, Aztecs, Korea, Russia, Ireland, and the United States. Brightly colored and illustrated with appropriate designs or pictures representing the culture in question, they make an attractive display.

When my students first entered class I watched closely for their reaction to this display. Without fail, the posters sparked their interest. Since one of my assigned projects for class is to research significant historical figures in mathematics, this was a perfect way to get them to start their project. As a result, these posters have improved the classroom environment and added a sense of history to mathematics.

In conclusion, these posters are wonderful. The one drawback is their price. Most teachers would probably find the cost difficult to justify as an out of pocket classroom expense. If the school is willing to pick up the expense involved, it might be worthwhile to have these posters adorn the walls of the mathematics classroom.

Vincent Corrado, Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania