Reviews two software packages; "Block It, An Instructional Game" and "Conquering Whole Numbers." The first is a simulation game which uses graphic representation of base-ten blocks to reinforce place value and regrouping. The second package is designed to give students in grades three through six practice in computation. (PK)

Fourth grade children (n=20) were matched on a pretest and randomly assigned to either a wooden base-10 block or computerized microworld group. Instruction was designed to establish relationships between notation and meaning, extending whole number numeration to decimal numeration. Neither group changed whole-number notational methods nor had…

Studies two children working in the context of specially developed computer microworlds with a teacher/researcher for approximately 45 minutes a week for 50 weeks over a two-year period. Indicates that the operations and unit types associated with the children's whole-number sequences did not interfere with the reorganization of their fractional…

Explores ways to help children make connections between whole-number multiplication and their notion of a fraction. Illustrates an approach to constructing fraction concepts that builds on children's whole-number knowledge using specially designed computer tools. (KHR)

States that thinking about numerical procedures starts in the elementary grades and continues in successive grades until students can eventually express and reflect on the procedures using algebraic symbolism. Outlines how such thinking can progress to algebraic reasoning. Illustrates how computers can be used to promote this progression through…

Introduces a course using mPowerNet to develop course material by using computers to teach numeracy. Presents the guiding principles of the course, mathematics material, course material, and course guidance. (ASK)

Describes learning activities in which fifth and sixth graders used spreadsheets to explore the shapes of numbers. Discusses creating spatial patterns with a computer draw program; examining number patterns in a spreadsheet; comparing square and rectangular numbers; and creating the multiplication times table. (AEF)

Describes computer software called Shemesh designed for learning equivalence-classes of fractions. Describes interviews with fifth-grade students who used the software in their learning activities. Evidence indicates initial actual development of desired mathematical concepts. (Author/MM)

Describes how 2 10-year olds developed drawings and numeral systems to symbolize their mental operations while dividing unit bars into thirds and fourths using TIMA: Bars, a computer microworld, as a medium for enacting mathematical actions. The symbolic nature of their partitioning operations was crucial in establishing more conventional…

Discusses ways that calculators and computer microworlds, such as LOGO and Shape Makers, can be used as tools for exploration, problem solving, and empowerment in school mathematics. Includes suggestions for classroom activities. (Contains 12 references.) (MKR)

Describes software tools designed to help students investigate relationships among representations of rational numbers that emphasize the part-whole model of a rational number. (KHR)

Two fourth-grade classes served in a study that employed computers for promoting autonomous learning processes through solving challenging problems adapted to students' aptitudes using the number line as an intuitive model. Findings showed that students have preinstructional intuitions and informal knowledge of negative numbers. (24 references)…

Provides two activities. Discusses the use of a computer and a calculator for the activities. Presents BASIC and LOGO program for finding Pythagorean triples. Seven references are listed. (YP)

This material was produced by a task force of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to provide independent study projects for use in grades four through six. The major goals are as follows: (1) to encourage student research, investigation, and communication of mathematics through reporting and writing; (2) to provide activities that are…

A collection of articles from the journals "Arithmetic Teacher" and "Teaching Children Mathematics" provide ideas for the instruction and use of teacher-made instructional aids. Guidelines used to select articles for this collection called for the articles to have a clear purpose and be related to a contemporary topic in the elementary school…