This study aims to examine the roles of tactile materials and origami models in the perception of concept definitions and representations in geometry applications of individuals with visual impairments. This case study draws on data from eight individuals with visual impairments selected according to the purposive sampling method in a mathematics…

Some physiological concepts, such as physiology of filtration and absorption in the different nephron segments, are so detailed that they can be a challenge to be memorized. This article describes an exercise that solidifies learning as students manipulate, using paper models, "transporters" and "electrolytes" in the…

The study reported here examined the effectiveness of educational robotics combined with GPS/GIS technologies used as "digital manipulatives" in the teaching of concepts in science, engineering, and technology. Based on the success of previous summer camps, the study also examined a scaling-up of the intervention from 38 participants to…

Reviews research on the use of sociodramatic play in developing preschool literacy skills, outlines the development of play centers which can be used to facilitate literacy development, and offers practical suggestions for acquiring the materials needed for the construction of such centers in preschool classrooms and facilities. (MDM)

Describes a University of Alabama program that trained a cadre of elementary teachers to use various manipulatives in their daily mathematics programs. These teachers received a set of manipulatives to share with others and were expected to conduct inservice programs for colleagues. The program increased use of manipulative materials and revealed…

A description and evaluation are given of the Individualized Mathematics (IM) program. IM is an outgrowth of the work of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at the University of Pittsburgh. The program has developed and implemented manipulative lessons for primary grade (K-3) students. Like other LRDC programs, this one includes…

SCIS materials are modified for use with acoustically handicapped pupils. (CP)

This report describes the attempt of one school district to improve its elementary mathematics program. The program was modeled after the Nuffield project with an emphasis on activity learning. The report outlines objectives, materials, facilities, and teacher education procedures. Some descriptive statistics are presented which are used to…

The preparation of prospective teachers to use manipulatives in the classroom involved three dimensions. Each of these dimensions is discussed within the context of the elementary and early childhood teacher education program at Pennsylvania State University. (JN)

Films, booklets, and tape/slide packs were used as self-instructional aids for teachers in an inservice course on the use of concrete materials for elementary school mathematics instruction. (DT)

The needs and capabilities of 4-year-old Head Start children were considered in development of classification and attention training curricula, including: (1) sensory exploration through object manipulation, (2) variety of high-interest materials, (3) change of pace during the lesson, (4) presentation of learning activities as games, (5) relating…

Spatial abilities are fundamental to human functioning in the physical world. Spatial reasoning allows people to use concepts of shape, features, and relationships in both concrete and abstract ways, to make and use things in the world, to navigate, and to communicate. Surgeons, pilots, architects, engineers, mechanics, builders, farmers, trades…

This report begins with a rationale for organizing a mathematics methods course around a laboratory situation. The implementation of one such program is described in detail. Actual in-school work with elementary school children was an integral part of the program. Carefully selected undergraduate mathematics majors were found to be valuable…

Describes the ways in which primary grade science teachers can use hands-on scientific activities to answer children's questions about science. In such activities, children discover and experiment with materials and objects to understand scientific ideas and processes. Suggests that teachers should encourage children's curiosity. (BB)