Several math activities designed to teach patterns which can be found in arrays of 16 squares organized into a four-by-four pattern are presented in this issue of "Student Math Notes." The activities include: (1) determining how many squares and rectangles are contained in a four-by-four array; (2) figuring out the least number of lines…

This paper addresses the nature of child-initiated episodes of mathematical patterning prior to formal schooling. In a multi-site case study, children's engagement in mathematical patterning experiences was investigated as was the teachers' involvement and influence in these experiences. A conceptual framework was used to guide the examination of…

Mathematical concepts occur spontaneously from many topics and can be developed in the framework of cross-curricular schoolwork. Consequently, students can gain knowledge of where mathematics arises and insight about its purposes. (Included are activities dealing with the reflectional and rotational symmetries of automobile hubcaps evolved from…

Presented are 44 examples in which students are invited to guess what pattern of numbers is emerging and to decide whether the pattern will persist. Topics of examples include Pascal's triangle, integers, vertices, Fibonacci numbers, power series, partition functions, and Euler's theorem. The answers to all problems are included. (KR)

A series of activities involving figurate numbers that allow students at various levels to integrate numerical, geometric, arithmetic, patterning, measuring, and problem-solving skills are presented. A discussion of the geometric and numerical aspects of figurate numbers is included. Appended are IBM Logo procedures that will create pentagonal…

Presents a brief definition and examples of residue designs while sharing some of the algebraic thought that a student used to form generalizations about the patterns discovered during the investigations of residue designs. (ASK)

Presents an activity involving the use of students' birth dates. Activity includes a classic binary representation of numerical values. In the Green Machine, Sorting Cards, and Window Cards, students observe, describe, and analyze patterns. (PVD)

Presented are simple activities that can be completed by students at home with the help of a parent. Activities include the topics of sorting, patterning, counting and numbers, geometry, adding, subtracting, and measuring. Each activity describes a series of sequenced tasks related to one of the topics. (KR)

Heavy emphasis is placed on development of understanding of arithmetic in this mathematics curriculum prepared specifically for Navajo children and intended for use in reservation schools. Materials are presented so that only when a given concept is understood are skills associated with it and a written format introduced. Learning activities…

Illustrates where several unexpected patterns of antiderivatives can be realized during calculus instruction via the application of integration by parts to the exploration of particular members of families of functions. (JJK)

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)

Described is a learning activity that requires students to observe, read, and interpret graphs and organize and describe data. Included are the grade level, materials, objectives, prerequisites, directions, answers to questions, and copies of handouts. (KR)

This article describes a way in which the computer can be used by students in exploring patterns and solving problems associated with number theory. BASIC programs are described, along with classroom questions and procedures that aid in implementation. (Author/KR)

Described are activities that use a hundred chart to improve student abilities to recognize and describe number patterns, to use variables, to make and informally prove conjectures, and to communicate mathematical ideas to classmates. Included are the directions, four reproducible student sheets, the answers, and extensions. (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)