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)

Presents a sequence of hands-on activities to help students understand the concept of arithmetic mean and gain experience in using mathematical models. Students create models in the process of solving problems and communicate to the class the meaning attached to the models. (MDH)

Two teachers describe ideas they have used in teaching the concept of area. The use of physical materials is emphasized. (MM)

Students compose original stories that incorporate nonroutine problems which contribute logically to the plot of the story. Examples and suggestions from work with fifth graders and preservice elementary teachers are given. (MNS)

A minicourse designed to teach fourth and fifth graders about computers included decoding computer cards, a "race" against the computer, a field trip, flow charting, and writing computer programs. The course was limited by the students' ability to understand abstract mathematical concepts. (MP)

A week-long build-a-city project is described which lets students become familiar with the history of the five Platonic solids (tetrahedron, octahedron, hexahedron, isosahedron, dodecahedron) and then use these solids to create a city using posterboard and construction paper. (MNS)

Described is an activity where base-10 blocks are used to develop students' skills in reading, writing, and visualizing large numbers. An activity sheet that helps students with decimal points is included. (KR)

Presents a unit to review geometric concepts and problem solving by having students work cooperatively to discover geometric shapes constructed from two congruent right triangles obtained from cutting a rectangle along its diagonal. Students report their findings both orally and in writing. (MDH)

Presents a class project facilitated by a teacher who used his background in construction to teach students to build a house, during which process many geometric and measurement concepts were introduced or reinforced. Discusses importance of student responsibility and the vital cooperation between construction experts, materials suppliers, and…

Presents a program to introduce fifth graders to everyday economic life by constructing a true-to-life simulation of an economic community. Students apply mathematics skills to managing a checking account, calculating electric bills, and managing shops using computers. (MDH)

Proposes the method of student-generated story problems to supplement textbook problems, generate student interest, and bring real-life situations into the mathematics classroom. Gives steps to initiate the method that incorporates small groups and peer teaching to develop problem-solving and problem-posing abilities. (MDH)