This article outlines a method of conducting a laboratory designed to discover mathematical integration with students. The results are produced and verified in the laboratory by students. Understanding that an integral is defined by the area bounded by a function of x and the x-axis from a point a to a point b is challenging. Students often have…

Rule learning in mathematics among elementary school children is described. Samples of dialogue between experimenters and children are presented, and the concept of rule learning is described in relation to two subgroups, gifted children and "regular" ones. (MP)

A series of activities that focus on the process of measuring are presented. The material is designed to help children develop a concept of measurement by leading them through the processes used in establishing formal measurement systems over the centuries. (MP)

The author describes the areas in the kindergarten classroom--blocks, toys, cooking, games, job charts--which can be used in furthering a child's developing mathematical skills. (KC)

A unique problem solving activity involving student lockers in a junior high school is presented. The activity embodies numerous mathematical concepts and has successfully motivated pupils to explore related mathematical ideas. (MP)

Two simulations designed to teach probability to middle-school age pupils are presented. The first simulates the one-on-one foul shot simulation in basketball; the second deals with collecting a set of six cereal box prizes by buying boxes containing one toy each. (MP)

Activities originally designed to teach third-grade students about measuring liquids are presented. Included in the document are reasons to teach students how to use the basic units of liquid measurement and the development of a "laboratory" within the classroom where pupils could work while minimizing the mess. Some of the topics developed for…

Presented are ways to teach pupils the concept of "sphere" with a methodology far removed from memorization of a formal definition of the concept. The material illustrates an approach to teaching that focuses on open exploration of ideas with children. Many experiments and starting points for exploration are suggested. This document has…

A student-suggested project at an elementary-level mathematics laboratory using an adding machine to print a million twos is presented and described. Questions, problems, and activities that took place as the project was carried out are described. The process of producing twos presented all children with the necessity of gauging time intervals and…

This 1981 yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers classroom ideas for teaching statistics and probability, viewed as important topics in the school mathematics curriculum. Statistics and probability are seen as appropriate because they: (1) provide meaningful applications of mathematics at all levels; (2) provide…

Described are many concrete readiness activities within ten broad categories that are designed to provide children with a solid foundation for mathematics and that help prevent learning difficulties in mathematics. Preschool mathematical experiences form the foundation for all studies in mathematics. Without a sufficient number of appropriate…

This booklet is one in a series on different education topics intended to help parents make the most of their child's natural curiosity and become an integral part of reaching the National Education Goals as set forth by the President and governors in 1990. The book suggests ways that parents can generate interest in mathematics in children aged…