Defines the mathematical concept of proportionality. Uses graphs of linear relationships to explore and make generalizations about the characteristics of proportional situations to help students critically evaluate problems involving proportions. (MDH)

Suggests that teachers use mathematics problems related to the "1992 World Population Data Sheet" to teach students about such population-related issues as hunger, resource scarcity, poverty, and pollution. Offers sample problems involving percents, ratios, basic calculations, sequences, variability, graphs, averages, and correlation. Includes a…

Presented are simple activities that can be completed by students at home with the help of a parent. Activities include the topics of sorting, patterning, counting and numbers, geometry, adding, subtracting, and measuring. Each activity describes a series of sequenced tasks related to one of the topics. (KR)

The Monte Carlo procedure of generating random points that lie within the unit square is used to approximate pi, as the ratio of points within the first quadrant of the unit circle to the total number of randomly generated points. A BASIC computer program for this method is included. (JJK)

Described is a theorem which is generally not present in most high school geometry textbooks. Presented are two proofs and two cases which illustrate the use of the SSA theorem. (CW)

Provided is an example of the use of the Pythagorean Theorem to give learners experience in applying mathematical rules. A proof for the theorem is included. Precautions and alternatives are discussed. (CW)

Elementary error estimation in the approximation of functions by polynomials as a computational assignment, error-bounding functions and error bounds, and the choice of interpolation points are discussed. Precalculus and computer instruction are used on some of the calculations. (KR)

Discussed is the use, importance, and availability of programmed algebraic manipulation packages. The general power summation formula is presented and an example using a programed numerical verification package is provided. (KR)

Described is software which allows a student to use simulation to produce analytical output as well as graphical results. The results include a frequency histogram of a selected population distribution, a frequency histogram of the distribution of the sample means, and test the normality distributions of the sample means. (KR)

Discusses how to use stories to help children connect mathematical ideas to their own lives. Gives examples of picture books and other children's books that present math ideas, suggests the use of visual learning and real-life applications, and explains how to adapt ideas to library media center activities. (LRW)

Presents an investigation that focuses on estimation skills as children attempt to solve problems involving concepts of weight, volume, and counting money. (ASK)

Describes the results of a teaching experiment conducted to investigate the effect of journal writing on achievement in and attitudes toward mathematics. The results of ANCOVA suggest that journal writing has a positive impact on middle school students' (n=104) conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, and mathematical communication, but not…

Unique associations between three families of mathematical knowledge and individual differences in the mathematics skills of 103 seventh and eighth graders were studied. Conceptual and procedural knowledge adequately explained individual differences in fraction solving and problem set-up accuracy, but only conceptual knowledge adequately expressed…

Presents sample lab activities in algebra for representing functions in concrete, tabular, graphic, algebraic, and word format. Activities described actively involve students in hands-on models. Problem-solving techniques and technology help to form algebraic-thinking skills. (AIM)

Develops and validates an instrument for determining student preferences for multiple representations of functions and establishes baseline data for future research. Students showed preferences for representations of functions which varied between contextualized and noncontextualized settings. Students' preferences for the two settings were more…