Described is an integrated science and mathematics activity which is an extension of the Elementary Science Study unit "The Clay Boat." Discussed are prerequisite skills, science and mathematics concepts covered, objectives, content background, materials, procedures, and evaluation for this activity. (CW)

Presented is an informal technique for counting the number of different-sized equilateral triangles on an isometric grid. Five activities that relate to this topic are included. (KR)

Described is a method for drawing periodic tile patterns using LOGO. Squares, triangles, hexagons, shape filling, and random tile laying are included. These activities incorporate problem solving, programing methods, and the geometry of angles and polygons. (KR)

This article describes a way in which the computer can be used by students in exploring patterns and solving problems associated with number theory. BASIC programs are described, along with classroom questions and procedures that aid in implementation. (Author/KR)

After a year of instruction, 70 kindergarten children were individually interviewed as they solved basic, multistep, and nonroutine word problems. Thirty-two used a valid strategy for all 9 problems, and 44 correctly answered 7 or more problems. Modeling provided a unifying framework for thinking about problem solving. (Author/MDH)

Divided into two parts, this article analyzes why some pupils feel reserve about instantaneous velocities and instantaneous flows. The second part relates reactions of pupils facing a problem that implicates the instantaneous rate of change. Describes some characteristics of this problem that enables the authors to explain its instructional…

Reports a correlational study to determine whether teacher's mathematics anxiety might inhibit the introduction of more problem solving and abstraction in elementary schools to enable more ninth graders to enroll in algebra. Correlations on 19 variables for 116 teachers indicated that anxiety decreased with increased mathematics content studied…

This article discusses the analysis of a decision-making process faced by contestants on the television game show "The Price is Right". The included analyses of the original and related problems concern pattern searching, inductive reasoning, quadratic functions, and graphing. Computer simulation programs in BASIC and tables of…

Proposes the use of children's literature as a method to connect language and mathematics. Presents examples of children's books by mathematical topic and methods by which they can be employed in mathematics instruction. (31 references) (MDH)

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)

Reviews research on (1) schemata acquisition while learning mathematics and techniques for detecting schema in mathematics learners; and (2) assessment of the distribution of cognitive resources while learning mathematics that lead to the design of instructional techniques to facilitate schema acquisition. (26 references) (MDH)

Describes a step-by-step procedure that enables teachers to develop lessons that effectively use software or special calculators in the classroom. Problem-solving strategies and questions are determined that correspond to the technology through which students are able to construct their own knowledge. Illustrates the procedure using spreadsheets,…

This study of 60 eighth grade students found differences among students with learning disabilities and students who were low, average, and high achieving, on perceptions of ability and achievement; attitude toward mathematics; knowledge of mathematical problem-solving strategies; and knowledge, use, and control of problem representation…

Presents activities in which students develop and analyze scatterplots on graphing calculators to model corn growth, decay, a box of maximum volume, and weather prediction. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Middle school students' (n=200) solutions to division-with-remainder story problems and their attempts to make sense of their answers were analyzed for evidence that supported or refuted hypothesized semantic-processing models. The models helped explain students' failure to solve these problems in school settings. (Contains 17 references.)…