In the set of fractal activities described in this article, students will accomplish much more than just creating a fun set of cards that simply resemble an art project. Goals of this activity, designed for an algebra 1 class, are to encourage students to generate data, look for and analyze patterns, and create their own models--all from a set of…

Paper folding, or origami in Japanese, is a traditional craft that has been enjoyed by both children and adults for hundreds of years. Mathematicians have long studied the mathematics of paper folding. They use square papers to construct mathematical shapes (for example, folding an equilateral triangle from a square paper or trisecting an angle),…

One of the primary expectations that the author has for her students is for them to develop greater independence when solving complex and unique mathematical problems. The story of how the author supports her students as they gain confidence and independence with complex and unique problem-solving tasks, while honoring their expectations with…

Constructing formulas "from scratch" for calculating geometric measurements of shapes--for example, the area of a triangle--involves reasoning deductively and drawing connections between different methods (Usnick, Lamphere, and Bright 1992). Visual and manipulative models also play a role in helping students understand the underlying…

Students manipulate data algebraically, and statistically to create models applied to a falling ball. They also borrow tools from arithmetic progressions to examine the relationship between the velocity and the distance the ball falls. (Contains 2 tables and 5 figures.)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000) recommends that students at all grade levels be provided with instructional programs that enable them to "create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas; select, apply, and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems; and use…

Discusses two concrete models that have been useful in helping students understand operations with percentages. Includes information on materials needed, procedures for students, limitations, and instructional strategies. (JN)

In the project described in this article, students work together to model real-life phenomena. They also think about the modeling process as they develop rubrics for evaluating their peers' work.

This article describes how mathematics and science teacher educators collaborated to promote the use of high-level tasks and inquiry-based instruction in high school classrooms. Working with a colleague in the School of Arts and Sciences, education professors developed and team-taught a model inquiry-based lesson. Then teacher candidates were…

Suggests a model for teaching mathematics with three dimensions: facts and skills, understanding, and problem solving. Geometric examples are used to illustrate each dimension and suggestions for integrating the teaching of the three dimensions are given. (PK)

Discussed are several common aspects of teaching functions and statistics including graphing relations, exploring relations, transforming relations, and modeling situations. Examples of each are provided. (CW)

Describes activities in which students perform experiments with physical models that they create. Students develop geometric intuition and build a concrete foundation upon which abstract principles can be built. (DDR)