This is the EggMath version 1.5SE, a collection of web modules (including many interactive applets) covering different topics in mathematics related to eggs; it is intended for use in K-12 classrooms, as in the Chickscope (http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/) project at the Beckman Institute.

As of 1 June 1999, the current modules deal with:

• The Shape of an Egg, which includes discussions of surfaces of revolution and methods for drawing ovals in the plane:

  • Symmetry and Cross-Sections (starting page)
  • Surfaces of Revolution
  • Ellipses with Pins and String
  • Equations for an Ellipse
  • Cartesian Ovals
  • Cassini Ovals

• The White/Yolk Theorem (usually known as the ham sandwich theorem), which shows how any two regions in the plane can be equally divided:

  • Dividing White and Yolk Fairly (starting page)
  • Examples of the White/Yolk Theorem
  • The Borsuk-Ulam Theorem
  • Proof of the Borsuk-Ulam Theorem

• Spherical Geometry, which demonstrates the intrinsic curvature of a spherical surface

• Embryo Calculus, which examines exponential growth, and the number e:

  • Understanding Exponential Growth (starting page)
  • Tangents and Slopes
  • The Number e

Possibilities for future additions include adding more to the section on non-Euclidean geometry (including how to compute surface area of surfaces of revolution), and adding a module on topology (how to distinguish an egg from a donut or a pretzel).

EggMath was created by Professors Steve Bradlow and John Sullivan of the UIUC Math Department, with Stuart Levy of the NCSA, and Brian Klamik, an undergraduate in the College of Engineering. The Standalone Edition was created by Stuart Levy and Daniel E. Weber, of the Beckman Institute.

EggMath 1.5SE is a self-contained unit: all of the files and Java applets necessary to run the EggMath unit are contained in this bundle. The bundle should work with both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, under Windows '95/'98/NT, Mac OS 8.X, and many varieties of Unix with the appropriate Java toolkits installed. EggMath 1.5SE has not been tested on Windows 3.1/DOS systems and is not guaranteed to work on these platforms. In order to use the applets, ensure that Java is enabled on your browser.

We're always open to other suggestions. Send in your EGGcelent ideas for future modules by email to the development team (eggmath@grafix.math.uiuc.edu). We also appreciate receiving bug reports and error corrections. When mailing, please indicate that you are using the Standalone Edition, Version 1.5. Of course, you can always visit the original EggMath website (http://new.math.uiuc.edu/eggmath/)!