For some twenty years now, the MAA Notes Series has published secondary materials for undergraduate mathematics courses, such as projects that can be used in teaching calculus. These publications reflect the interests of instructors, providing a means of sharing innovative ideas for teaching calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, statistics, geometry, and abstract algebra. With this book, discrete mathematics joins the list. This collection includes nineteen classroom-tested projects, eleven additional projects based on historical sources, three expository articles considering discrete mathematics topics in more depth, and two articles focused on pedagogy especially related to discrete mathematics.

Why is discrete mathematics only now the subject of such a collection? One possible reason is that, unlike concepts taught in the course itself, discrete mathematics is not well-defined. While there are controversies on how to teach calculus, there is relative unanimity on what topics a calculus course should address. On the other hand, a survey of discrete mathematics courses around the country shows a variety of different topics being covered, goals being sought, and students being served. Does the course cover circuit design and the tools for algorithm analysis? How much logic is covered? Graph theory? Combinatorics? Is this the course where students first learn to write proofs? Are the students mathematics majors, computer science majors, or is the course offered for a general education requirement?

This book does not address those questions. The projects and articles here reflect the wide breadth of topics taught in the diverse discrete mathematics courses offered in universities, colleges, and (increasingly) high schools.