Teaching Apparatus, Mathbox Learning System

This apparatus is designed to promote the Standards for School Mathematics advocated by the National Council of School Mathematics beginning in the late 1980s. It consists of three closed plastic boxes that pose problems in mathematical reasoning, a fourth plastic box containing parts used to solve these problems, and a scale used to weigh boxes and parts in problem solving. A sheet describing the apparatus and a manual are included. The first box has written on the label: How long is the chain? It contains a metal chain which is mostly inside the box. The second box has written on the label: How many red marbles are in the box? It involves estimating the number of red marbles in a box when one can only see some of the marbles through a slit in the short side. Nine blue marbles (as well as the empty box, two links of chain, and the scale) are provided. The third box poses the problem "Determine the weight of each metal piece." It contains two unequal metal rings, one attached to each end of a plastic rod 12 cm. long which is pivoted at its center. A scale of centimeters is stamped on the inside of the box behind the heavier weight. A hole runs along the edge of the box above the lighter weight. Also provided are another plastic rod of the same size and shape, with a stand.

The dimensions given are for the four plastic boxes together, with the bit of chain protruding.

According to the donor, the MathBox was developed by Paul Hartung, a professor of mathematics at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. It was not a particularly successful product, but led Extra Measures to begin selling scales for weighing objects, which were very successful.

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