French Mathematician and statesman Paul Painleve died in 1933.

A brilliant and noted French mathematician, Paul Painlevé broadened the horizons of mathematical knowledge. He did work in transformations and regularization, solved differential equations that previous mathematicians Poincaré and Emile Picard had failed to solve and developed a function now known as Painlevé’s Transcendents. Shortly thereafter, Painlevé developed an interest in politics. He was elected in 1906 to the Chamber of Deputies, and then went on to hold posts as the Minister of Education, the Minister of Inventions, War Minister and two non-consecutive stints as Premiere of France. In 1908, Painlevé became one of the world’s first air passengers when he flew on a 1 hour and 10 minute flight with Wilbur Wright. This interest in flying and aeronautics led to the last political office he held, that of Air Minister.

 

Illuminations
Balancing Equations (Pre-K–2) encourages students to explore the concept of subtraction using a balance tool. This use of a balance to demonstrate subtraction activities leads naturally into recording with equations. The students imitate the action of a pan balance and record the modeled subtraction facts in equation form.

Supply and Demand (9–12) focuses on having students create and solve a system of linear equations in a real-world setting. By solving the system, students find the equilibrium point for supply and demand. Students should be familiar with finding linear equations from two points or slope and y-intercept.

Science NetLinks
In Values and Attitudes (3–5), the Wright brothers' investigation of the principles of flight serves as a model for how individuals should go about answering questions about how the world works. Through quotes and artifacts presented on the Franklin Institute's "Flights of Inspiration" Web site, students see examples of the Wright brothers' profound curiosity, openness to new discoveries, persistence and integrity. Students learn that the Wright brothers were only able to make strides in their research when they abandoned some widely accepted claims about the principles of flight and began to test the theories for themselves.

ReadWriteThink
Draw a Math Story: From the Concrete to the Symbolic (K–2) begins with the reading aloud of several math-oriented stories. The lesson then identifies key mathematical vocabulary terms, models math story writing, and then gives students an opportunity to write addition and subtraction stories.

Giant Story Problems: Reading Comprehension through Math Problem Solving (K–2) focuses on reading comprehension skills as they apply to mathematics story problems, as well as on written and verbal mathematics communication skills. Students use drawings, equations and written responses to solve single story problems with enlarged print. The end product of this activity is a series of poster-sized story problems that can serve as models for later problem-solving work.