Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Teaching Math & Science in Age of Sputnik
Why did the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik throw the fields of mathematics and science into tremendous demand in the United States? Find the many ways this revolutionary event impacted children from the 1950s to become the...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Famous Problems in the History of Mathematics
On this site, there are several math problems to explore and solve. Look through some solutions by famous mathematicians and expand your thinking about some interesting math concepts. Teachers of elementary grades may want to use this...
Mathigon
Mathigon: Math Foundations: Divisibility and Primes: The Distribution of Primes
This lesson focuses on the distribution of large prime numbers. It offers a calculator to check numbers for prime and a calculator that allows you to create prime numbers. It also provides the history of methods find the distribution of...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Maths and Sports: Project Ideas: World Records
This activity suggests a number of investigative projects, focusing on athletics and swimming, exploring some of the trends between performances in different sports at the same time in history and in the rate of improvement of records...
Other
Mayan Math
A basic, illustrated description of the math system developed by the Mayans. Includes a paragraph comparing the Mayan system favorably with the Roman numeral system of the same time.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: The History of Zero and Place Value
This ask Dr. Math question about the history of zero and place value. Includes a very in-depth answer explaining where zero came from and how it was originally used as a place holder.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: History of Set Theory
This page, which is provided for by the University of St. Andrews, traces the history of Set Theory as well as the concept of infinity and the infinite set.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews: History of the Four Color Theorem
The University of St. Andrews offers a brief history of the first math problem to be solved with computers.
Rice University
Rice Univ.: Cynthia Lanius: Mathematics of Cartography: History of Mapmaking
Surveys the history of mapmaking from prehistoric to current times with an illustrated chronology.
Math Is Fun
Math Is Fun: The Evolution of Numbers
Discusses what numbers are and how our understanding of them has evolved over thousands of years, from simple counting to negative numbers and irrational numbers, for example. Includes a set of practice questions where students identify...
Math Open Reference
Math Open Reference: Biography of Euclid
Biography of Euclid, a Greek Mathematician, also known as the 'Father of Geometry'.
Other
Living Math!: Math History and Mathematicians
A good starting point for research into the history of Mathematics. Information is organized into time periods with lists of famous mathematicians and scientists.
Texas A&M University
Texas a & M University: The Origins of Greek Mathematics [Pdf]
Describes the history of Greek mathematics and the major figures and schools of mathematics.
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
Powerhouse Museum: Gambling (Math and Probability)
The resource consists of activities about mathematics and probability. Students learn about the history of gambling and the risk applied to the lotto, instant scratch-offs, roulette, and poker machines.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Greek Number Systems
A comprehensive discussion of Greek number systems of the first millennium BC, including acrophonic and alphabetical. Includes examples demonstrating the lack of a truly unified system among the Greek islands.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Hypsicles of Alexandria
This mathematician is remembered for his work on regular polyhedra. You can find more about the works of Hypsicles and other mathematicians at this site.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Al Karaji
This mathematician contributed to many areas of mathematics, but most importantly he developed the formula to multiply exponents.
Other
Mathedpage.org: Algebra Manipulatives: Comparison and History
This resource discusses the use of manipulatives in the study of Algebra. The author sees benefits in symbol manipulation to enrich understanding, in geometric interpretation strengthening the connection to other parts of mathematics,...
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: An Overview of Babylonian Mathematics
Information and examples of how the base 60 number system of the Babylonians worked in calculating problems similar to those we face today. Has a section comparing Pythagoras's theorem to Babylonian math.
University at Buffalo
Circle Association: Harlem Renaissance History and Links
This resource from the Circle Association at the University of Buffalo gives background on the origins of the Harlem Renaissance and highlights its most famous authors.
Trinity College Dublin
The History of Mathematics: Young
A short sketch of the life and work of Thomas Young (1773-1829 CE). Traces early upbringing and education and his scientific discoveries and contributions.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Egyptian Numerals
Discussion of early Egyptian number systems, including hieroglyphics and hieratic symbols and how they evolved.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Counting in Babylon
A discussion of the number system used by the ancient Babylonians. Examples are provided for various mathematical operations based on the number 60 (our number system is based on the number ten).
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Pascal and Fermat Beginnings of Probability
This site describes early applications of probability, the roles of Pascal and Fermat, and the problem of points.
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