Although abstraction is widely understood to be one of the primary components of computational thinking, the roots of abstraction may be traced back to different fields. Hence, the meaning of abstraction in the context of computational thinking is often confounded, as researchers interpret abstraction through diverse lenses. To disentangle these…

A problem concerning the generation of an array of numbers is posed. The author examines the use of this problem in several secondary-school and college classes. (SD)

This activity is designed to help students recognize and extend rectangular patterns and to use patterning to formulate rules for "nth" cases. Three worksheets are included. (MNS)

An activity sequence is described. Several aspects of a population problem are developed using isoperimetric graph paper and symmetry principles to derive general rules. (SD)

These student worksheets include activities in counting, place value, estimation, the four operations with whole numbers, number patterns, volume, inequalities, decimal equivalents of fractions, and percents, all to be worked with a calculator. (MP)

Five different ways are outlined in which calculators can be used to develop a student's ability: (1) to solve problems which use real-world data; (2) for solving a greater number of standard word problems; (3) for using different approaches to solve problems; (4) for extending problem situations; and (5) for using the calculator in an…

When a simple game was presented as a challenge to a primary-school girl, she solved the problem, and went on to generalize her solution. (SD)

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

Describes an activity that utilizes four pattern blocks to help students understand and explain perimeter. Engages students in making and supporting conjectures about a scenario that involves trains composed of various shapes with different perimeters. (DDR)

Presented are 44 examples in which students are invited to guess what pattern of numbers is emerging and to decide whether the pattern will persist. Topics of examples include Pascal's triangle, integers, vertices, Fibonacci numbers, power series, partition functions, and Euler's theorem. The answers to all problems are included. (KR)

Many problems and activities which can be worked with a calculator are contained in this booklet. The problems include: pattern recognition, combinations of operations, estimation, squares and square roots, rate problems, area, and volume. Chapter topics include: getting to know the calculator, single-step problems, using formulas, and…

A variety of calculator activities is described for developing problem solving skills without getting involved in tedious computations. (JT)

A computer program is presented for the billiard ball problem. It can be integrated into a lesson on inductive reasoning and suggests several ways to do so. (MNS)

Patterns resulting from polygonal numbers are explored, with examples of triangular, square, pentagonal, rectangular, and other numbers. Tables and formulas to be developed are included. (MNS)

Properties of the harmonic number triangle are listed, and ways of generating the elements of harmonic triangles are described. (MNS)