A series of activities involving figurate numbers that allow students at various levels to integrate numerical, geometric, arithmetic, patterning, measuring, and problem-solving skills are presented. A discussion of the geometric and numerical aspects of figurate numbers is included. Appended are IBM Logo procedures that will create pentagonal…

Provided are follow-up activities for having students explore the concept of line symmetry. Using a mirror to move a pattern; finding patterns with one, two, or four lines of symmetry; finding asymmetrical patterns; deciding if patterns are different; and solving the problem of finding all patterns possible are discussed. (MNS)

The problem-solving skills of logical thinking, critical thinking, visualization, and communication skills are linked with some activities for students. Sample activities with logic, strategies and patterns, breaking fixed notions, open-minded problems, spatial visualization, and communication are described. (MNS)

Presents a problem suggested for students in grades one through six concerning the concepts of grouping, reasoning, and pattern finding. Discusses the student problem-solving process. (ASK)

This article reports on the use of a unique number system to facilitate teachers' understanding of the concepts of place value. Teachers' mastery of base-ten may hinder their recognition of the difficulties students have with place value, so the authors created a number system that used five symbols to represent values. Using this system, teachers…

"Primary Mathematics" is a magazine for primary grades teachers. It contains activities which can be used, or adapted for use, with children over a wide ability range. It also contains articles on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The material in this book was selected from 18 issues of "Primary Mathematics" published…

This collection of activities resulted from a visit by the Polish author to the Teachers' Center Project at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1980. The set of 30 activity sheets involve blocks with various types of patterns depicted. Directions for using each sheet and questions to be answered are then given. Elementary school…

Activities and problems are interspersed with commentary in this book on the learning and teaching of mathematics. The emphasis is on helping students to enjoy mathematics through an awareness of structure and patterns. The chapter titles are as follows: (1) "My Three Sons--A Game"; (2) "The Tower Game"; (3) "Mathematical Games on a Different…

This study was designed to consider effects of age, sex, intelligence, lateral usage, and lateral awareness on young children's performance of spatial organization tasks. The sample consisted of 79 Caucasian, middle socioeconomic status nursery school children (mean C.A. 57.80, S.D. 4.47 months), 44 boys and 35 girls. Spatial organization was…

The problem-solving strategy "look for a pattern" is explored. The staircase problem and the region problem are discussed in detail, with varying solution procedures, and three other problem activities are outlined. (MNS)

Activities which may be used to investigate a variety of woven patterns are presented. Pattern predicting and analysis of different patterns are discussed. A Basic computer program for the weaving code is given. (CW)

Presented are problem-solving experiences with area, volume, and algebraic expresssions resulting from data collection. Three worksheets are included for students in grades 7-12. (MNS)

Quilt-making is presented as an activity that helps elementary school children recognize and appreciate geometry in their world while developing their problem-solving skills. Students choose an appropriate pattern and cooperatively make the quilt. Related measurement questions and problems are provided. (MDH)

Presented are simple activities that can be completed by students at home with the help of a parent. Activities include the topics of sorting, patterning, counting and numbers, geometry, adding, subtracting, and measuring. Each activity describes a series of sequenced tasks related to one of the topics. (KR)

Games and activities which involve problem solving are presented in order to help teachers develop the numeric, geometric, and logical thought processes of elementary school students. The activities and games (many of which are pencil-and-paper) require using logic, plan-ahead strategies, spatial reasoning, strategies based on prior patterns or…