According to the author's website, Danica McKellar's first book is meant to serve as a resource for middle school girls to help them understand math concepts that are commonly confusing. This review will explore McKellar's use of mathematical contexts for presenting mathematical content and consider how these contexts may or may not limit the ways…

This column discusses five children's books selected to develop math concepts involving problem solving, reasoning, and communication. The books are "Only One" (Marc Harshman); "The Librarian Who Measured the Earth" (Kathryn Lasky); "Counting Jennie" (Helena C. Pittman); "The Search for Delicious" (Natalie Babbitt); and "The Toothpaste…

Reviews four books on teaching premathematical concepts to young children: (1) "Windows on Mathematics: Worktime Activities for Young Children" (Westley and Randolph); (2) "Hands-On Math: Manipulative Math for Young Children" (Stone); (3) "Books You Can Count On: Linking Mathematics and Literature" (Griffiths and Clyne); and (4) "Mathematics…

Discusses the coverage of current issues in the mathematics education of young children, noting the numerous examples of activities and processes. Argues that while some insights into mathematics learning and teaching have become outdated, the book is useful for educators working with young children. (JPB)

Discusses how various children's books can be used to introduce and explain geometric topics through a problem-solving approach. Selected are five books with words and five books without words. (YP)

Reviewed are two computer software packages for Macintosh microcomputers including "Phase Portraits," an exploratory graphics tool for studying first-order planar systems; and "MacMath," a set of programs for exploring differential equations, linear algebra, and other mathematical topics. Features, ease of use, cost, availability, and hardware…

Describes picture books that can provide a foundation for the development of young children's understanding of mathematics. Includes specific activities for teachers to use along with picture books to enhance children's understanding of the concepts of classification, seriation, number, spatial relations, and time. (MDM)

This resource guide is designed to assist educators by identifying materials that will develop the skills tested on the mathematics section of the New Jersey High School Proficiency Test (HSPT). Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction" (describing background information on the HSPT and format of this guide); (2) "Mathematics…

This book contains three major sections. The first section provides 15 lesson plans for the integration of activities involving computer uses in mathematics instruction. Each lesson plan includes grade level, objective, time, materials, important terms, background, suggestions, and activities. The second section provides a list of available math…

Discusses the use of the symbolic manipulator which helps students solve equations one step at a time. Recommends features to look for in algebra tools. Compares 14 programs on general, graphic, numeric, and symbolic manipulation and provides short reviews of each. (MVL)

Described are ways in which some teachers have used a software package called "The Geometric Supposer." The development of inquiry skills is stressed. Recommendations for students using the Supposer are provided. (CW)

This issue of the newsletter focuses on the teaching of mathematics to mildly handicapped students. The feature article reviews the theory of generalization and its application to specific practices in teaching arithmetic. A set of six-step guidelines is offered for the teacher to follow in ensuring that generalization of arithmetic skills takes…

This book is organized in three major sections. The first section provides 15 lesson plans for the integration of activities involving computer uses in mathematics instruction. Each lesson plan includes grade level, objective, time, materials, important terms, background, suggestions, and activities. The second section provides a list of available…

Describes two software programs for the Apple II series and TRS-80 Models III and IV: (1) "Personal Energy Inventory" (grades 9-12, records and manages data, not considered user friendly); (2) "Energy Conservation" (grades 7-12, aids in converting and problem solving, uses drill and practice). (MVL)

Recommends two computer programs for elementary social studies use that help solve the problem of one-computer classrooms: Little Shoppers Kit, a store-in-the-classroom role play; and Choices, Choices, a two-part program concerning ethical questions relevant to students' experiences. Emphasizes cooperative learning, teacher as facilitator, and…