Reports on an experimental enterprise in which a writing course and a mathematics course were linked together so that writing was incorporated into mathematics instruction and problem solving was emphasized in writing instruction. Describes two writing assignments and two mathematic assignments. Contains student responses to the assignments. (TB)

Offers a plan for using a modified reading/study guide, called the 3-Level Reading Guide, in mathematics class to help students comprehend and solve word problems. Suggests that the guide can help students become independent problem solvers. (SR)

Discusses the importance of the use of rich problems to challenge gifted students. Highlights the characteristics of challenging problems and projects, and presents examples of these kinds of questions. (ASK)

Describes one possible approach to solving the following problem: given a pentagon ABCDE in which triangles ABC, BCD, CDE, DEA, and EAB all have area=1, is the area of the pentagon determined? (AIM)

Presents three methods invented by fourth graders for obtaining the arithmetic mean. This presentation is in support of the idea that encouraging children to invent their own mathematical processes is a good way for them to clarify the idea of representativeness and consequently the teacher can facilitate the students' construction of higher…

Presents an interesting problem intended to introduce students to an application of algebra and to help them make the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Uses different problem representations including making successive approximations, interpreting graphs, and solving equations. Discusses pedagogical issues involved. Contains 11 references.…

Discusses various ways of representing arrangements of tightly packed circles and poses questions concerning related functions and problems. (KHR)

A fun logic game to introduce several classes of sixth-graders to advanced mathematical thinking allows even students who previously fared poorly in math to arrive at the destination with their peers. (Author/MLF)

The reform mathematics curricula present students with problems that cannot be solved using routine methods. Addresses questions about problem solving by considering one seventh-grade teacher's first-person description of an attempt to teach algebra problem solving. (Author/MLF)

Developed a heuristic strategy (SOLVED) to explain the processes involved in understanding and solving mathematical word problems (problem translation, problem interpretation, solution planning, solution execution, and solution monitoring) among upper elementary students. Results indicated that SOLVED was more effective in aiding both short-term…

Presents activities that explore step-cut dissections of whole rectangles. Provides students with the opportunity to discover patterns, which allows them to solve more and more complex problems that offer a context within which students can think about and use different mathematical concepts. (JRH)

Provides a strategy that can help teachers and students begin using the history of mathematics as they learn more about both the history and mathematics--namely, think about who does math, how math is done--and what math is. (KHR)

Presents a poem written to reassure parents that they make an impact on their children's mathematical awareness through everyday activities. (Author)

Describes an activity in which students roll balls down a ramp to measure the distance rolled under varying conditions. (Author/YDS)

Shares the results of some of the algebraic-thinking pattern problems presented in "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics." (KHR)