This book contains 40 lessons in problem solving divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 contains several lessons in which solutions are derived through investigation of numerical patterns. Chapter 2 contains lessons in which problem-solving situations are presented in a graphical context. It also includes two lessons in which students construct…

Uses colored cube combinations to investigate surface area, volume, and axes of symmetry. (ASK)

Helping students notice the geometric shapes and symbols around them and in the world's cultures is a fascinating way to make mathematics meaningful. (Editor/SJL)

Describes a mathematics course that involves the study of growth patterns combined with an analysis of the symmetry of patterns. Briefly outline the curriculum and and discusses key features of the course, such as use of hands-on models, video, slides, and speakers from other disciplines. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Describes an activity that utilizes four pattern blocks to help students understand and explain perimeter. Engages students in making and supporting conjectures about a scenario that involves trains composed of various shapes with different perimeters. (DDR)

A series of activities involving figurate numbers that allow students at various levels to integrate numerical, geometric, arithmetic, patterning, measuring, and problem-solving skills are presented. A discussion of the geometric and numerical aspects of figurate numbers is included. Appended are IBM Logo procedures that will create pentagonal…

A method for helping students to find formulas involving symmetry under various conditions is explained. Necklace symmetries, orbit counting, tetrahedra and cubes, relationship patterns, and finding patterns are discussed. (CW)

Quilt-making is presented as an activity that helps elementary school children recognize and appreciate geometry in their world while developing their problem-solving skills. Students choose an appropriate pattern and cooperatively make the quilt. Related measurement questions and problems are provided. (MDH)

Presented are simple activities that can be completed by students at home with the help of a parent. Activities include the topics of sorting, patterning, counting and numbers, geometry, adding, subtracting, and measuring. Each activity describes a series of sequenced tasks related to one of the topics. (KR)

Provided are student activities to introduce the geometric concepts of line symmetry and rotational symmetry as related to Hawaiian quilting patterns. Paper squares, scissors, and folding techniques afford the teacher the chance to stimulate class discussion about pattern recognition and to integrate mathematics with the cultural world outside the…

Presented are four activities which allow students to work with rhombus patterns. These activities encourage students to search for, test, and verify patterns and to also practice computation and work with ratios. Diagrams needed for each activity are included. (KR)

Described is a method for drawing periodic tile patterns using LOGO. Squares, triangles, hexagons, shape filling, and random tile laying are included. These activities incorporate problem solving, programing methods, and the geometry of angles and polygons. (KR)

Presented is an activity that explores the relationship between the size of a rectangle and the number of squares intersected by a diagonal. Students incorporate pattern recognition and the concept of the greatest common divisor in solving the problem. A sample worksheet is provided. (MDH)

Described is how folk art can be used to teach spatial thinking and symmetry. Activities are open-ended and can be used for all age groups and levels of development. Mathematics is integrated with the study of culture, art, and history in these activities. (KR)

Provided is a teacher's guide for a problem-solving activity that establishes a link between number patterns and geometry by focusing on the development of recurrence relations established when generating central polygonal numbers. Reproducible worksheets and a 3.0 BASIC program for the activity are given. (MDH)