The author advocates the use of questions whose relevance to the topic being studied as not immediately apparent, as a method of broadening students' facility and interest in their mathematics classes. (SD)

Mathematics in nature and in the technological world is discussed. Outdoor activities with mathematical content are listed. (JP)

Presents study results exploring the use of learning activities in secondary school mathematics instruction. Explains that seven categories of learning activities, one traditional and six active learning, were identified. Reports that heads of mathematics departments estimated occurrence of the activities in their schools. Concludes that active…

A modern adaptation of the historic lattice algorithm which can be used for multiplication and division is discussed. How it works is clearly illustrated. (MNS)

The instruction of BASIC programing to gifted and other interested pupils from fifth through eighth grades in Tempe, Arizona is described. Sample assignments and major recommendations for people planning to begin BASIC programing courses for elementary students are featured. (MP)

Brief articles are included on creating in first-year algebra, making a Moebius hat, and graphing cubics. (MNS)

Brief articles on a linguistic approach to learning mathematics vocabulary, designing cross-figure puzzles, an activity with probability, and a problem with an erroneous solution are included in this section. (MNS)

A series of situations is suggested incorporating hands-on activities involving concrete experiences with measurement. It is felt that the activities used to teach mathematics and science at the Middle School level need to be specifically suited for the young adolescent. Extensions are possible for in-depth investigations for more advanced…

This document presents five activities which represent a part of the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP) curriculum. The package is primarily designed to: (1) introduce instructors to one or more of the three non-verbal languages used in the CSMP elementary curriculum in such a way that teachers would want to pursue the possibility of…

Some geometric activities are described that teachers can use to give their students experiences that will influence their spatial abilities. It is noted that the goal is to improve spatial abilities, not to increase knowledge, so individual pupil responses should not be used to judge student achievement. (MP)

Four specific problems are presented, discussed, and extended to illustrate how diverse instructional strategies, materials, and resources can be used to develop problem-solving skills. (MP)

Pumpkin seeds are counted after students convert pumpkins to jack-o-lanterns. Among the activities involved, pupils learn to count by 10s, make estimates, and to construct a visual representation of 1,000. (MP)

Several activities that can be used to give children more experience with triangles are submitted. By handling triangular shapes and building triangles with strips, pupils can experience a diversity of triangles in a very concrete way. Examination of triangles and nontriangles can help develop understandings of some inequalities. (MP)

Described is a Kernel Design, used in the multiunit Discovery School in Mansfield, Ohio, to improve a general weakness in the areas of measurement and the use of monetary skills. Kernel Design is so named because it conveys the gist or core of an idea. (Author/TG)