The use of dice and dominoes in the classroom is discussed as leading from counting activities to pattern recognition and discovery learning. (MP)

Math manipulatives that are made from inexpensive, common items help students understand basic mathematics concepts. Learning activities using Cheerios, jellybeans, and clay as teaching materials are suggested. (DF)

Using a geoboard to find polygons with given perimeters presents a problem which refines skills and provides an opportunity to inquire and discover. (MK)

Suggests discovery activities in spatial awareness for elementary math, utilizing home-made geometric shapes and soma cubes. (SJL)

A number of paper-folding activities are described. The activities illustrate geometric concepts, theorems, and construction techniques. (SD)

Two students (aged 10) and a teacher described their exploratory approach to problems involved in sliding blocks games. (SD)

It is viewed understandable that many teachers consider fractions one of the most difficult mathematical topics to teach. School experiences need careful planning to include sequential activities which develop accurate concepts, and concepts are thought best developed by activities which move along the concrete-to-abstract continuum. (MP)

Instructions are given for making a solid from unit cubes joined face to face. Activities lead to design and construction of the SOMA cube, along with other cube puzzles. (DT)

Learning activities based on a geometrical puzzle that consists of rearranging triangles and trapezoids are used to teach concepts involving area. (MP)

Presents methods for teaching two mathematical concepts that utilize visualization. The first illustrates a visual approach to developing the formula for the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence. The second develops the relationship between the slopes of perpendicular lines by performing a rotation of the coordinate axes and examining the…

A set of three worksheets is provided, along with a guide for the teacher. Using manipulative materials, students investigate the difference between the consecutive sums of the numbers along the three sides of a triangle. (MNS)

Describes a unit on magnetism that utilizes hands-on activities in which students make hypotheses for discrepant behavior, discover whether a magnet attracts one object through another, measure the strength of magnets, explore levitating paper clips, and play a game dependent on magnetic attraction. (MDH)

Presents three hands-on, discovery geometry lessons based on the use of special pieces called Polydrons by a fifth-grade class to build and investigate special properties of polyhedra and to stimulate students to think geometrically. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Five different triangle shapes cut from poster board or construction paper provide the springboard for student activities and discussions of a variety of geometric concepts from kindergarten to grade 8. (MP)

Presents a cooperative-learning lesson in which high school students visit stations equipped with different tools to establish the midpoint of a Pixy Stix, a brand of candy-filled straw. Provides solutions for two potential stations, suggestions to extend the activity, and two activity worksheets. (MDH)