Mythematics: storytelling in the teaching of computer science and mathematics

• Illustrating a key concept: there are many ways to introduce and illustrate exponential growth -other than the dry mathematical expression with n up high, or the graph that pierces its upper right margin. Perhaps in terms of the physical world, via chain reactions and the initial growth of bacteria and embrya; or by recalling the Malthusian argument about populations and resources; or by discussing Moore's Law and the way it has been driving the world. Or, even better, by recounting the tale of the wise man who asked the grateful khaliph to simply place for him one grain of rice at the first square of the chessboard, two at the second, four at the third, and so forth.