Computational thinking can provide a basis for problem solving, for making evidence-based decisions, and for learning to code or create programs. Therefore, it is critical that all students across the K-12 continuum--including students in the early grades--have opportunities to begin developing problem solving and computational thinking skills.…

Most teachers feel confident espousing the benefits of using picture books in English lessons, talking about the importance of using the illustrations to enhance the text, engaging students and fostering a love and appreciation of literature. How many teachers passionately advocate the use of these same picture books in mathematics lessons? This…

In a recent edition of "Mathematics Teaching" Midge Pasternack argued the case for the use of the 0-99 square with young children rather than the ubiquitous 1-100 square. In this article, the author would like to take the opportunity to mount a defence in favour of the much maligned 1-100 square. His main criticism of the 0-99 square (apart from…

This article describes an innovative lesson that uses the biography "Barbara McClintock: Alone in her Field" (Heiligman, 1994) to integrate genetics, literature, and mathematics as a context for students to investigate patterns on Indian corn. This two-day lesson requires students to estimate, collect data, identify and describe patterns,…

Four worksheets for levels one-eight are included. Practice on addition, multiplication, fractions and decimals, and integers is provided through activities involving puzzling patterns. (MNS)

Three worksheets are given that use calculators to free students from computational restrictions and allow them to focus on the recognition of patterns and the application of numeration concepts in the development of their estimation skills. (MNS)

Activities and problems are interspersed with commentary in this book on the learning and teaching of mathematics. The emphasis is on helping students to enjoy mathematics through an awareness of structure and patterns. The chapter titles are as follows: (1) "My Three Sons--A Game"; (2) "The Tower Game"; (3) "Mathematical Games on a Different…

Four worksheets designed to be used with calculators are presented. For levels 1-2, counting is the focus; levels 3-4, estimation; levels 5-6, use of memory keys; and for levels 7-8, patterns. (MNS)

Practice on computation is provided using new and novel situations, with discovery of number patterns a bonus of the computation. Activities with disguised addition and multiplication tables for whole numbers and integers are presented for varying levels. (MNS)

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)

Discussed are ways in which students can generalize both quadratic or cubic situations. Generalizations are produced using the factor method, repeated linear generalizations, means of the mean, and through the use of differences. (KR)

Uses of calculators to teach the concept of exponents are described. Topics covered on activity sheets include powers of two, number systems, and powers as repeated multiplication. Cooperative learning is emphasized. (KR)