In the author's experience with this activity, students struggle with the idea of representativeness in probability. Therefore, this student misconception is part of the classroom discussion about the activities in this lesson. Representativeness is related to the (incorrect) idea that outcomes that seem more random are more likely to happen. This…

The authors introduce an educational video game (application, or "app"), "CandyFactory Educational Game," designed to promote students' development of partitive understanding of fractions while demonstrating the critical need to promote that development. The app includes essential game features of immediate feedback,…

Linear functions are an important part of the middle school mathematics curriculum. Students in the middle grades gain fluency by working with linear functions in a variety of representations (NCTM 2001). Presented in this article is an activity that was used with five eighth-grade classes at three different schools. The activity contains 15 cards…

As current mathematics standards, such as the Common Core, are being implemented throughout the United States, it has become evident that teachers need support to enact the tenets of those standards. To help in this endeavor, this article was published as a guideline to emphasize to mathematics education stakeholders that "effective teaching…

This article describes middle school mathematics activities that relate measurement, ratios, and geometric sequences to finger positions or the placement of frets on stringed musical instruments. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

This article provides activities that merge two fascinating mathematical topics: the Mayan system of numeration and magic squares. (Contains 3 figures.)

This article introduces and explains probability games from diverse cultures. Activities are described and teacher-ready materials are included.

This article describes the instructional process of helping students visualize irrational numbers. Students learn to create a spiral, called "the wheel of Theodorus," which demonstrates irrational and rational lengths. Examples of student work help the reader appreciate the delightful possibilities of this project. (Contains 4 figures.)

Presents an activity using the cardboard tube from a roll of bathroom tissue or paper towels to help students examine and extend their understanding of the geometric properties of parallelograms. (ASK)

Uses number sense to involve students in calendar activities based on the Julian and Gregorian calendars. (YDS)

Describes the construction and use of the "fraction computer," a simple manipulative that helps pupils understand how to add and subtract unlike, unrelated fractions. (YDS)

Describes an activity in which students develop personal units of measurement to compare standard and nonstandard measurements. (YDS)

Identifies and addresses fundamental ideas that build the foundations of algebraic thinking and reasoning. Focuses on developing appropriate instructional approaches to these concepts. Explains what is meant by "composite unit" and how this concept framed the development of an instructional sequence to help students make sense of and find meaning…

This article introduces and explains probability games from diverse cultures. Activities are described and teacher-ready materials are included. (Contains 7 figures.)

Recounts 6th grade students' investigations of combinations and graph theory that arose from a claim made on a Steak'n Shake menu. (YDS)