Urges teachers of gifted students to allow students unstructured recreational computer time in the classroom to encourage student exploration and discovery, to promote creativity, to develop problem-solving skills, and to allow time to revisit programs and complete their own tasks. Different types of educational computer programs are referenced.…

Number sequences are useful complements to traditional drill and practice. Described is an activity in which the basic rule, add the tens digit to five times the ones digit, is used to generate a sequence of numbers. The dialogue between teacher and student discussing characteristics of emerging patterns is given. (MDH)

Presented is the solution to the problem of calculating the probability of winning or losing a game played by moving a counter from the center of a hexagonal grid according to the number shown after the toss of a die. The exercise is an example of an interesting mathematical investigation. (MDH)

Abstract ideas in linear algebra are illustrated at different levels of difficulty through the investigation of the solution to a well-known puzzle. Matrices are used to model the puzzle and the concepts of rank, underdetermined systems, and consistency are employed in the solution to the problem. (MDH)

Described is an activity that categorizes a two-digit number as "sneaky" if the continued process of taking the difference of the squares of its digits leads to a difference of zero. Other categorizations are determined by whether the difference process ends in a one-digit number or continues in a loop of numbers. (MDH)

This article describes a project that involved two groups of able students (ages 11-14) identified by teachers to work on problems set by two local industries. The project was designed to enrich the curriculum by developing problem solving skills and understanding of the application of science and technology in industry. (CR)

Describes two investigations suitable for grades seven and eight that explore the properties of the figure created when the midpoints of an equilateral triangle or square are joined. (MDH)

Offers LOGO as an environment that facilitates the development of cognitive strategies useful in problem solving. Presents LOGO activities requiring students to combine preprogramed procedures to produce worksheet patterns. Using this approach promotes using LOGO as a vehicle for problem solving and results in a more positive attitude toward LOGO.…

Presents a gamelike context that provides general-mathematics students the opportunity to explore situations involving chance and develop reasoning about probability. Provides three worksheets for activities that promote components of the NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. (MDH)

Presented is an activity that explores the relationship between the size of a rectangle and the number of squares intersected by a diagonal. Students incorporate pattern recognition and the concept of the greatest common divisor in solving the problem. A sample worksheet is provided. (MDH)

Provided is a teacher's guide for a problem-solving activity that establishes a link between number patterns and geometry by focusing on the development of recurrence relations established when generating central polygonal numbers. Reproducible worksheets and a 3.0 BASIC program for the activity are given. (MDH)

Presents a series of four worksheets to develop students' perception of spatial relationships. The tasks require students to use cubes to build models and describe the models by representing the front, right, and top views on grid paper. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

This booklet is one in a series on different education topics intended to help parents make the most of their child's natural curiosity and become an integral part of reaching the National Education Goals as set forth by the President and governors in 1990. The book suggests ways that parents can generate interest in mathematics in children aged…

Provides 5 activities for levels K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and for the family that incorporate data collection and interpretation in the decision-making process. Activities investigate taste preference, voter preference, meal preference at the school open house, three close presidential elections, and questions about the years and dates of presidential…

This book attempts to introduce students to the creative aspects of mathematics through exploratory problems. The introduction presents the criteria for the selection of the problems in the book. Criteria indicate that problems should: be immediately attractive, require data to be generated or gathered, appeal to students from junior high school…