The concept of exponents has been shown to be problematic for students, especially when expanding it from the domain of positive whole numbers to that of exponents that are negative and later rational. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the concept of exponentiation as a continuous operation and examines the deficiencies of existing…

A series of activities designed to help primary school children understand the meaning of the term "fraction," the symbolization, and equivalence of fractions are presented. Identification of units and pictorial representation are stressed, as is the uses of concrete materials. (SD)

Measurement experiences can promote and illustrate number work in an intuitively satisfying way. Some current practices that are counterproductive for developing number sense and some alternative strategies that are more constructive are included in discussions of the approximate nature of measurement, realistic measurement, and work with rational…

A visual model of fractions, the tower of bars, is used to discover patterns. Examples include equalities, inequalities, sums of unit fractions, sums of differences, symmetry, and differences and products. Infinite sequences of numbers, infinite series, and concepts of limits can be introduced. (DC)

Activities for teaching mathematics in kindergarten through grade 8 are included in this guide. Both original ideas and ideas gleaned from various sources, including teachers in the district, are presented. The introduction briefly discusses the importance of developing understanding of concepts, processes, and relationships, the need for…

This instructional manual consists of 11 competency-based units for a mathematics course for trade and industrial programs in Texas. Each instructional unit includes the following basic components: unit and specific objectives, notes to the instructor (outline of steps to follow in accomplishing specific objectives), information sheets,…

Employee and facilitator manuals are provided for two courses developed for a workplace literacy program: Mathematics on the Job I and II. Each 10-session course begins with a preassessment and ends with a postassessment. Components of each 2-hour session are objectives, informational materials, and problems or exercises. The facilitator copies…

Three topics related to teaching mathematics are discussed: a problem with the order of operations, teaching fractions, and an application of the distributive property. (MP)

A method of using a diagram to investigate properties of fractions is described. (DT)

This discussion of the mathematical potential of classroom events gives many examples of incidents that can be used for learning about topics such as one-to-one correspondence, counting, sets, ordering, time, fractions, money, shape, estimation, measuring, volume, area, number operations, and graphs. (MP)

Many activities are described for teaching two fundamental concepts concerning one-half. These concepts are one-half of a number and one-half of the size. (JT)

Included are brief reports on an algebra quiz in a menu format; two activity sheets on base two; and an alternative method of teaching least common multiple and greatest common factor, and related ideas, with six lessons outlined. (MNS)

Simple patterns both in mathematics and music are discussed. Several activities using standard instruments and handmade devices are described. (MNS)

Scavenger hunt activities for a range of mathematical topics are presented. Numbers, measurements, fractions, and geometry are among the topics included for the 14 types of hunts described. (MNS)

Paper folding and coloring activities are presented which involve the use of rectangular and square regions as models for basic fraction concepts. Rules for a fraction game also are included. (DT)