Demonstrates how students' power to recognize and express patterns and generality can be exploited in a variety of different ways that are connected to both arithmetic and algebra. Uses the Tunja sequence approach to teach multiplication of negative numbers and simplification of factors. (KHR)

Demonstrates how to extend student awareness of a common computational pattern into the realm of algebraic thinking through carefully selected, sequenced activities and guided discussion. (YDS)

Investigates ways to analyze change in various contexts. Focuses on computer technology providing contexts for children's investigations of patterns of change and helping to develop foundational ideas of algebra and calculus. Discusses relationships between patterns of change, fundamental algebraic notions as linear and nonlinear functions, and…

Presents a project that addresses several components of the Algebra and Communication Standards for Grades 9-12 presented in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000). Describes doing mathematical modeling and using the language of mathematics to express a recursive relationship in the perimeter and area of the Koch snowflake.…

Reviews an alternative patterning approach and highlights the difficulties it can present when students lack the requisite skills and knowledge of processes. Describes how this approach can be used to introduce elementary algebraic ideas and offers recommendations for establishing these important understandings. (ASK)

The ability to use algebra in describing and analyzing real-world situations is becoming a basic skill for all students. The main focus of this book is on patterns, functions, and relationships. Information and ideas on how algebraic thinking can be developed in the years leading to a formal algebra course are included. K-8 teachers are offered a…

This book offers ideas to enrich instruction and help teachers explore the intrinsic beauty of math. Through dozens of examples from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability, the symmetries, patterns, processes, paradoxes, and surprises that have facilitated generations of great thinkers are revealed. Activities include: (1) The Beauty in…

Presents a quilting problem that engages students at many levels, has multiple possible solution paths, lends itself to a variety of representations, and connects many mathematical ideas. (KHR)

Describes an investigation-based, lecture-free first-year algebra course in which students are responsible for compiling their own textbooks. Discusses the purpose and procedures of the activity. Includes student worksheets. (KHR)

Suggests ways early years educators can begin teaching young children to think algebraically and prepare them for success in algebra. Focuses on ways to promote mathematical patterns, mathematical situations and structures, models of quantitative relationship, and change. Describes how first-graders used real object representations to better…

Presents a project used to help students make connections between linear and exponential models and between arithmetic and geometric sequences. (KHR)

Explores algebraic thinking as children search for patterns while collecting, organizing, and graphing data and as they derive equations describing relationships found in the data. (ASK)

Lists questions and answers for mathematical investigations that teachers should ask when they consider using alternative approaches to teach new content. Presents an example of a mathematical investigation on concepts of area, symmetry, pattern, function, algebraic rules, and Pythagorean theorem. Argues that investigations offer opportunities for…