Presents an activity that can be used as an introduction or a culminating activity for finding the volumes of solids by creating and studying foam models of geometric solids. (ASK)

Discusses problems related to teaching decimals and fractions and converting between these two representations. Provides problems and activities that teachers can use in their classrooms to overcome student difficulties related to these subjects. (ASK)

Presents responses to a division problem appearing in the September, 1998 "problem solvers" section of this journal. (ASK)

Examines ways in which teachers can develop children's abilities to mathematize their world by articulating mathematical problems in situations, then solving and discussing their solutions. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

Presents the President's address from the 1999 annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Asserts that the mathematics classroom teacher must create an environment that supports students and mathematics growth at many different levels, and suggests ways in which to achieve this. Considers the changing societal…

Discusses the need for three-dimensional ideas in geometry. Describes a three-year sequence of projects that help develop students' spatial skills. (ASK)

Shares students' experiences with working geometrical proofs in cooperative groups. Presents an example of week-long group take-home test. (ASK)

Provides a brief synopsis of the development of the National Fire Danger Rating System along with an explanation of how it works and possible ways to use it in a modeling or problem-solving unit in a secondary mathematics classroom. (ASK)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)

Presents examples of mathematical experiences and investigations for preservice teachers. Discusses potential benefits of the suggested mathematical experiences for the personal and professional growth of teachers. Contains 21 references. (Author/ASK)

Good mathematics books may be literature books in which students learn directly about mathematics. Explores geometry transformations with tangrams by using the mathematical connections found in the book "Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes." (ASK)

Describes a teacher's experiences and gradual growth while implementing a Standards-based curriculum of fourth- through eighth-grade mathematics in a small rural school. (ASK)

Investigates the basic mechanics of cycling with a simple reckoning of how much effort is needed from the cyclist. The work done by the cyclist is quantified when the ride is on the flat and also when pedaling uphill. Proves that by making use of the available gears on a mountain bike, cycling uphill can be accomplished without pain. (Author/ASK)

Examines the gear system of a mountain bike to discover any redundancy in the many gear settings available to the cyclist. Suggests a best strategy for changing up through the gears on a typical 21-gear system and an adjustment to the available gears that would result in a smoother change. (Author/ASK)

Presents a variety of problems for elementary and secondary school students that focus on probability. Activities involving coins, M & M candies, and the game show "Let's Make a Deal," are described, and Web sites for the activities are listed as well as sites for lesson plans. (LRW)