Investigated the effect of problem wording on solving arithmetic word problems by first graders. Found that wording is a crucial component in solving difference problems. Results suggest that further research on word problem-solving processes focus on the interaction between linguistic comprehension and mathematical reasoning. (AA)

Describes spreadsheet activities that illustrate a problem-solving approach to teaching statistical concepts, allowing students to explore properties underlying descriptive statistics before being introduced to computational rules. (MKR)

High school students (n=295) were administered variants of the student-professor problem to ascertain whether errors could be traced to implicit versus explicit relationships between the variables. Concludes that implicit variable relationship problems were harder than explicit variable relationship problems. A follow-up study to explore why is…

Presented is the idea that art can be used to present early concepts of geometry, including the notion of the infinite. Discussed is the symbiosis that exists between the artistic and mathematical views of points, lines, and planes. Geometric models in art and using art in the classroom are discussed. (KR)

Presented is a way to provide students with a review and an appreciation of the versatility of pointers in data structures by improvising with binary trees. Examples are described using the Pascal programing language. (KR)

Considers innumeracy, the unfamiliarity with mathematical concepts and methods, as being significantly pernicious to the evolution of technological societies. Proposes that the teaching of mathematics through culturally intimate, practical examples and models can profoundly contribute to the confidence necessary to encourage and sustain widespread…

Presents a classroom activity in which students calculate the amount and types of trash thrown out by their class at school to investigate how much trash is generated, where it goes, and speculate about alternatives. Students need to be familiar with the concepts of weight, volume, and numbers. (MCO)

Durer's method for drawing an ellipse is used to explain why some people think an ellipse is egg shaped and to show how this method can be used to derive the Cartesian form of the ellipse. Historical background and suggestions for further reading are included. (KR)

Described is a way that elemental mathematics can be applied to explain an astronomical phenomenon. The fact that the extreme of sunrise and sunset do not occur on the shortest or longest days of the year is analyzed using graphs and elementary calculus. (KR)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York) is requiring all of its 1,000 freshmen to take required calculus courses utilizing the "Maple" computer program which can perform computations and quickly plot graphs. The program is intended to free students from meaningless manipulations and focus on concepts. Most students have reacted…

Following a short introduction on the rationale and purpose for using algorithmic structures in the teaching of algebra, two topics from elementary algebra are presented in relation to control structures from computer programing, specifically: the multiplication of polynomials defined in terms of nested loops, and the distributive property…

The LOGO subroutine turtle geometry and Euclidean geometry are compared with respect to their treatment of similarity and difference of plane figures. The problem and its proposed solution of introducing a FLIP operation are viewed briefly from the perspectives of mathematics, computer science, and education. (MDH)

Discusses mathematical tasks, classroom environments, and means of assessment that might encourage mathematical growth for middle grades students. Proposes a curriculum emphasizing mathematical connections, reasoning, and problem solving. Describes shifts in the culture of the mathematics classroom that support students' development of…

A mapping procedure based on the SOLO Taxonomy developmental model was used to classify the problem-solving strategies of students (n=34) in grades K-2. Only one multiplication problem was used to isolate three components of the problem-solving procedure. (MDH)

Presents an algorithm to estimate pi by approximating a unit circle with a sequence of inscribed regular polygons. Demonstrates the application of the algorithm with a hand-held calculator and an Apple computer. Provides a program to calculate pi in Pascal programing language. (12 references) (MDH)