Several examples are given to show that the calculator can be a tool to enhance mathematical understanding. Expressing rational numbers (fractions) as decimals provides the content focus. (MNS)

The mechanisms, images, and language needed for the development of rational-number ideas are briefly discussed. Such ideas are sophisticated and different from natural-numbers ideas. (MNS)

Questions about teaching rational numbers are discussed, dealing with when to teach the meaning of fractions and of decimals, when and how to teach computation with fractions and with decimals, and other issues. (MNS)

This section presents materials to reinforce computational skills involving fractions and decimals using an Olympic Games setting. Four worksheets are included for levels 1 through 8. (MNS)

Measurement experiences can promote and illustrate number work in an intuitively satisfying way. Some current practices that are counterproductive for developing number sense and some alternative strategies that are more constructive are included in discussions of the approximate nature of measurement, realistic measurement, and work with rational…

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of students in grades 6 and 7 to order rational numbers in both decimal and fraction form, including the identification of their thinking strategies. Implications for instruction are included. (MNS)

Research on fractions and decimals is reviewed. Understanding is vital, and thus children need experiences with concrete materials for the various interpretations of rational numbers. (MNS)

Nine activities are presented in which the calculator can be used to create interest in the study of fractions. Estimation skills are emphasized. (MNS)

More work with fractions needs to be done in the elementary school, with emphasis on concepts rather than computational algorithms. (MP)

Activities are given to assist students in seeing a rationale for the difficult algorithms we teach for fractions. Both interpretations of fractions and operations with fractions are discussed. (MNS)

Discusses the two overgeneralizations "multiplications makes bigger" and "division makes smaller" in the context of solving word problems involving rational numbers less than one. Presents activities to help students make sense of multiplication and division in these situations. (MDH)

It is suggested that elementary school students find rational numbers troublesome because some teachers have an inadequate understanding of rational number concepts and poor facility with rational numbers skills. How to help them overcome difficulties, develop concepts, and know what topics to emphasize are discussed. (MNS)

This document reports on a small-group teaching experiment whose goal was to understand how fourth- and sixth-grade children develop concepts of common and decimal fractions. Both the Grade 6 and the Grade 4/5 children were taught common and decimal fractions through discussion and by using manipulatives, beginning with basic concepts of common…

This book contains activities related to fractions and proportions. The activities span many grade levels as well as many levels of sophistication. Each activity is accompanied by a set of Teachers Notes that include a discussion of the mathematics topics, grade range, materials needed, mathematics of the activity, and implementation notes. All…

Presents activities that can be helpful in establishing a conceptual basis for dividing rational numbers. Some activities involve metric units while others are appropriate for small-group work with calculators. (AIM)