Loci: Convergence

Convergence: Where Mathematics, History, and Teaching Interact, is the MAA's free online journal about the history of mathematics and its use in teaching. Part of the Mathematical Sciences Digital Library (MathDL) and its online journal, Loci, Convergence is aimed at teachers of mathematics at both the secondary and collegiate levels. Topics are from grades 8-16 mathematics, with special emphasis on topics from grades 8-14: algebra, combinatorics, synthetic and analytic geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics, elementary functions, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

Convergence resources for using the history of mathematics in the teaching of mathematics range from informative articles about the history of mathematics to teaching tools such as Mathematical Treasures, a collection of digital images of mathematical objects and texts from the Columbia University Library George Arthur Plimpton and David Eugene Smith collections.

We also have a collection of Illustrations and a collection of Portraits that you may use in your classroom without special permission.

Besides historical images, articles about the history of mathematical topics from grades 8-16, translations of original sources, and classroom activities, projects, and modules, Convergence offers the following resources:

• Reviews of new and old books, teaching aids, and websites that focus on utility in the classroom.
  (See "Critics Corner" at the Convergence Home Page or browse the whole collection of reviews. You may also search for reviews by author, title, or keyword.)
• Historical problems.
  (See "Problem from Another Time" at the Convergence Home Page or browse the whole collection of Problems from Another Time.)
• "On This Day" is a listing of three or four historic mathematical events that happened on each date.
  (See today's listings at the Convergence Home Page or pick any day you like at On This Day.)
• Quotations.
  (See "Today's Quotation" at the Convergence Home Page or browse the searchable database of quotations.)
• The Calendar is an up-to-date guide to conferences and exhibits around the world that feature or include the history of mathematics and its use in teaching. It can be accessed from the Convergence Home Page.

How can you get involved in the Convergence enterprise?

• Use teaching tools such as "Mathematical Treasures" in your classroom and tell us about your experiences.
  (See Guidelines for Convergence Authors -- Classroom testimonials)
• Develop teaching tools and modules for your classroom based on articles in Convergence and share them with us.
  (See Guidelines for Convergence Authors -- Classroom activities, projects, and modules)
• Become a Convergence author.
  (See Guidelines for Convergence Authors)
• Become a Convergence referee. If you would be willing to serve as a referee for articles submitted to Convergence, please contact the Convergence editors Janet Beery and Kathy Clark (see below for e-mail links) to let us know what topics and types of articles you would prefer to review.

Convergence was founded in 2004 by Victor J. Katz, of the University of the District of Columbia, and Frank J. Swetz, of the Pennsylvania State University, with funding from the National Science Foundation, and was edited by Katz and Swetz for over five years. As of July 1, 2009, Janet Beery, University of Redlands, and Kathy Clark, Florida State University, have taken over as editors. Katz and Swetz remain involved as advisors, as project directors for the NSF grant, and as authors of the Mathematical Treasures resource.

Contact the editors:

   Janet Beery
   Kathy Clark

Loci: Convergence Home Page