Describes how various projects helped middle school students build mathematical conclusions through algebraic thinking as they used number patterns and verbal rules to explore the interrelationships of representations. Suggests some topics for projects. (AIM)

Presents an activity based on an investigation of airplanes and runways by using a goniometer to measure the angles. Concludes that these kinds of real world explorations provide yet another vehicle for middle school students to explore exciting and meaningful mathematics. (ASK)

Presents an activity for demonstrating the area of five geometric figures--the square, the rectangle, the parallelogram, the triangle, and the trapezoid--that is based on a simple tangram puzzle. Suggests ways in which this activity can be used at several different levels. (ASK)

Discusses Monte Carlo methods, powerful and useful techniques that rely on random numbers to solve deterministic problems whose solutions may be too difficult to obtain using conventional mathematics. Reviews two excellent candidates for the application of Monte Carlo methods. (ASK)

Describes how third grade students worked together to investigate relationships between fractions and percents using a spreadsheet tool. Highlights a dynamic classroom environment in which students and teachers work together as a community to learn and do mathematics. (ASK)

Presents a long-term project that directs students' focus toward real world uses of mathematics and instills in them the excitement of engaging in mathematical work. Describes how a third grade class created a book about mathematics that contains mathematical games and puzzles, original story problems, and mathematical riddles. (ASK)

Describes an informal research activity in which third grade students invent their own algorithms for multidigit multiplication and division. Discusses teaching implications and action research ideas. (ASK)

Describes how to use a one-handed clock for teaching time telling: make a one-handed clock (hour hand only); discuss clock history; have students use approximate language to describe where the hour hand is; have students practice with their own clocks; introduce the minute hand; have students compare the clocks; and have students add minute hands…

Computation activities focusing on speed and accuracy do not provide children with the opportunity to learn or develop their own mental computation strategies. Sets out some goals and ideas for teaching mental computation and introduces a card game for helping children compute mentally. (ASK)

This article describes TI-73 calculator activities appropriate for middle school students. It was found that the use of the calculator allowed for higher-level thinking and a richer exploration of mathematical ideas by students. [Included with this article are "Dice Roll Worksheet" and "Transforming Tree Worksheet".] (Contains 9 figures.)

This article details a variety of activities that can be used with middle school students to investigate the size of the number 1,000,000. The activities focus on real-life applications of mathematical proportions and helps students to understand the magnitude of large numbers. (Contains 8 figures.)

This article addresses the use of Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) as a (curricular) tool to develop mathematical creativity and identify students who are creatively gifted in mathematics. The thesis of this article is that by using MEAs, gifted educators can: (a) provide students with opportunities to develop creative and applied mathematical…

This paper discusses the three outreach projects in Kent, a girls grammar school with a mixed sixth form. Due to the selective system in Kent they have around 100 potential feeder schools with their Year 7 intake of around 150 arriving from about 70 different primary schools, some of which are independent. In this article, the author describes the…

This article describes the Australian Informatics Competition (AIC), a non-programming competition aimed at identifying students with potential in programming and algorithmic design. It is the first step in identifying students to represent Australia at the International Olympiad in Informatics. The main aim of the AIC is to increase awareness of…

The spiral approach has long been used by curriculum designers to deepen students' knowledge of scientific and mathematical concepts and to bring students to higher levels of abstraction. The benefits of a spiral approach, however, can also be extended to teacher education. This paper describes a spiral activity employed by the "Kidumatica"…