Although much early mathematics developed in China, India, and the world of Islam, mathematical historians are just beginning to appreciate the many mathematical ideas that had their origins there. A great deal of this mathematics has now been translated into English; it is now possible for those teaching the history of mathematics, as well as other subjects in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum, to study this early mathematics and use it in their teaching. Further, the increasingly multicultural makeup of our student bodies makes it imperative that mathematics teachers be aware of the mathematical heritage of many of their students.
This workshop will present details of some of the mathematics of China, India, and Islam, and produce classroom materials based on these ideas that can be used in teaching various topics in the mathematics curriculum. To accomplish this goal, participants will
An electronic network will be set up so participants can continue to work cooperatively on lesson materials in the next few months. We expect that some of these materials will make suitable articles for publication in "Convergence", the MAA's online magazine in the history of mathematics and its use in teaching, as well as ideas for presentation at an MAA contributed paper session at the 2008 Annual Meeting.
Additional support provided by Princeton University Press
More information, including schedule, housing, directions, and readings