Introductory and follow-up activities with Iggies, a tool for teaching and reinforcing the ability to discern likenesses and differences, are given. Two lessons for kindergartners are detailed, and some suggestions for other uses of Iggies are noted. (MNS)

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…

A series of lessons in which the concept of symmetry is informally developed is described. Rotational and reflection symmetries are examined. Pictures and sample worksheets illustrate the article. (SD)

What is number sense, why it is important, how it is taught, and how it is measured are each discussed. Examples with concrete materials, calculators, and pattern recognition are included. (MNS)

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…

A learning activity relating modular arithmetic to patterns of figures determined by points equally spaced around a circle is described. (SD)

Geometric concepts and theorems can be discovered by high school students using the materials described. Among the topics explored are Platonic solids and Euler's formula. (SD)

Using the two posters in this article, students are to search for patterns as a way of counting different types of squares and cubes obtained from a larger square or cube that is printed on the outside edge or surface. (MP)

Two ideas to use as a bulletin board display as an activity center, or as worksheets emphasizing whole number concepts are described. (JT)

Activity sheets posing problems in which students must examine and test various possibilities are presented. (SD)

Described are activities for thinking through patterns using toothpicks, paper strips, wooden cubes, and people patterns; thinking with attribute items such as geocards, namestrips, and treasures; and thinking with geometric materials such as geoboards and dot paper, cubes, and simple puzzle pieces. (MNS)

Three activities and patterns involving the addition table are described, each involving pentagons. (MNS)

Experiences with tessellations used with a group of preservice elementary teachers are described. Specific illustrations of patterns are included, with details on how these are analyzed. (MNS)

Helping students notice the geometric shapes and symbols around them and in the world's cultures is a fascinating way to make mathematics meaningful. (Editor/SJL)