Designed for a broad audience, including educators, camp directors, afterschool coordinators, and preservice teachers, this investigation aims to help individuals experience mathematics in unconventional and exciting ways by engaging them in the physical activity of building geometric shapes using ropes. Through this engagement, the author…

A key characteristic of successful mathematics teachers is that they are able to provide varied activities that promote student learning and assessment. Web 2.0 applications can provide an assortment of tools to help produce creative activities. A Web 2.0 tool enables the student to enter data and create multimedia products using text, graphics,…

There are, it seems, few instances when "unintended consequences" are regarded as having a positive and beneficial effect. Here a well-used activity takes on a "life of its own" as a result of the enthusiasm of the learners. The outcome provides insights for all those involved, including the "teacher". Maybe it is…

This article features Sweet play math, a "math by the month" activity that involves decorating and making sugar cubes. Teachers may want to substitute straws, paper squares, alphabet blocks, or such commercially made manipulatives as Unifix[R] cubes for the real sweets. Given no allergy concerns, teachers and students alike would enjoy some sweet…

The crucial need for a mathematically literate society, coupled with a sustained focus on mathematics standards, continues its center-stage presence. At the same time, "Principles and Standards" states that it is imperative to offer "all students high-quality programs that include significant mathematics presented in a manner that respects both…

This article describes an activity that introduces the Lithuanian holiday tradition of decorating with straw ornaments in geometric shapes. By building a Lithuanian sunburst star with straws, students explore a number of geometric relationships and reinforce their mathematical vocabulary. It also provides an excellent foundation for a…

There are many mathematics teachers now who, when entering a classroom without a data projector and internet connection, feel as though they are flying on one wing--such are the amazing opportunities that these relatively new gadgets can offer. The author believes that teaching with dynamic images (from software and the web) makes mathematics…

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15th through October 15th, is a great opportunity to kick off a whole year of cultural discovery. This article presents 25 great ideas for Hispanic heritage. These 25 fresh ideas--from Aztec math to Carnaval masks--are easy to put together, and they offer students the chance to celebrate their own…

Popular culture provides many opportunities to develop quantitative reasoning. This article describes a junior-level, interdisciplinary, quantitative reasoning course that uses examples from movies, cartoons, television, magazine advertisements, and children's literature. Some benefits from and cautions to using popular culture to teach…

In this article, the authors describe a varied day of stimulating mathematics with key stage 2 learners--all revolving around chocolate. They used a variety of stimuli organized around the chocolate theme. A whole day was spent on using and applying mathematics, and the exercise proved to be enjoyable for both staff and pupils. The children…

Several teachers share their ideas for classroom activities. These include: (1) combining science and art on Earth Day; (2) implementing an inexpensive incentive scheme to get students to bring their signed papers back to school on time; (3) involving students in a virtual zoo; (4) planting real grass in Easter Bunny baskets; and (5) creating own…

Scavenger hunts, collecting bottle caps, observing shadows, and other outdoor activities can be developed into a mathematics unit that motivates students to acquire basic mathematical skills. A variety of natural ways to collect data are offered to help foster learning. (DF)

The history of Fermat's Last Theorem, recounted in the theatrical piece "Fermat's Last Tango," is a useful vehicle for introducing students to the variety of personalities, processes, and products involved in advanced mathematical investigation. The musical's accessible, informative, and positive portrayal of mathematicians and their work is…

Provides ideas for elementary school math activities which include ways to connect math with daily life, Michael Jordan basketball math games, and warm-up activities. (SM)

Creative activities can enliven math classes and enhance student learning. Several suggestions are given for creating amusing word problems and lively drills. Included is a reproducible word problem sheet. (IAH)