Memories of Biagio Micale

Abstract

On february 20th, 2018, in Catania, Biagio Micale, Professor of complementary Mathematics at the University of Catania, suddenly passed away. He would have turned 72 on november 16th 2018. He has been member of the Italian Commission for the Teaching of Mathematics and President of the Mathesis section of Catania. He coordinated the Didactic Research Unit at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania. His scientific activity covered various aspects of mathematics. In particular, from post-graduate studies to 1986 he focused his research mainly on issues of mathematical foundations concerning mainly universal algebras, in particular studied \( \Omega \)-groups of Higgins and algebraic systems. Since 1987 he dealt with research topics on Combinatorics, in particular on \( t \)-design (Steiner quadruple systems, oriented triple and quadruple systems). Since 1978 he developed a wide research activity on topics related to mathematics and mathematics education, with particular regard to geometry. With regard to math education, he developed an organic research mainly addressed on problems concerning the teaching of geometry in secondary schools in relation to the innovations contained in the teaching programs. In particular, he studies problems related to the theme on geometric transformations, in order to join this theme with the "Euclidean" tradition of teaching geometry in the Italian school.