Sixth-grade students were exposed to two pairs of mathematics assignments. Assignment Pair A included a high-effort and a moderate-effort assignment, each containing 18 three-digit by two-digit (3x2) problems. Assignment Pair B was similar except the high-effort assignment contained six additional one-digit by one-digit (1x1) problems interspersed…

The effects of using homework guides, and homework logs on students' abilities to solve word problems involving basic addition and subtraction facts were studied. Students received one of three versions of addition and subtraction timed tests once per week--every Thursday--that focused on measuring automaticity of basic addition and subtraction…

This article describes the instructional process of helping students visualize irrational numbers. Students learn to create a spiral, called "the wheel of Theodorus," which demonstrates irrational and rational lengths. Examples of student work help the reader appreciate the delightful possibilities of this project. (Contains 4 figures.)

This article describes the process of design and implementation of a hands-on unit on fractions in the sixth grade. The fraction unit, taught by a classroom teacher with the aid of a university professor, uses pattern blocks to help students develop conceptual understanding of fractions. Student misunderstandings and outcomes are presented, as…

The everyday mathematics processes of structural engineers were studied and analyzed in terms of abstraction. A main purpose of the study was to explore the degree to which the notion of a gap between school and everyday mathematics holds when the scope of practices considered "everyday" is extended. J. Lave (1988) promoted a methodology…

In this paper seventh-grade pupils' ways of handling aspects of probability have been investigated. The aspects in question were embedded in a dice game, based on the total of two dice. Four different set-ups of dice were included in the situation in which they were up to explore optimal strategies for winning the game. How children understand…

This book guides teachers in the appropriate use of calculators in math classrooms in grades 3-8. This resource is organized into two parts. Part One addresses the broad range of classroom teachers' questions and concerns about using calculators for teaching mathematics. Issues covered include: (1) How can calculators support helping children…

This book is about teaching computation in a way that accommodates children who do not learn best with traditional math teaching methods. The teaching approach draws on visual and kinesthetic learning strategies to help all students be math whizzes and provides a comprehensive program for elementary math skills. The book begins with counting and…

This book is a year-long program of daily exercises in problem solving for 2nd and 3rd grade students that presents 144 lessons, each with seven problems. The problems cover number sense, computation, measurements, geometry, problem solving, and patterns. The material is presented in a sequential fashion with concepts repeated and expanded, and…

MATHCOUNTS is a national coaching and competition program designed to stimulate 7th- and 8th-grade students' interest and achievement in mathematics. Teachers and volunteers coach students beginning each fall and continuing throughout the year. Participating schools can select individuals or four-person teams to compete in on-site competitions.…

The World's Largest Math Event (WLME) 4 is the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) celebration of mathematics and mathematics education and is the highlight of Mathematics Education Month. This year's event is slated for April 30, 1998 with the theme "Landmarks: Seeing the World by Numbers". This theme encourages students…

Discusses the use of educational games in the mathematics classroom. Emphasizes the reasons for the need for games, organizing games, and the analyses of games. Presents 10 examples of these mathematical games. (ASK)

Presents activities for teaching the logistic growth model using calculators and spreadsheets. (ASK)

Presents activities using the Three Pigs to increase students' understanding of addition and subtraction. Argues that addition and subtraction are something that students can view and participate in when using the Three Pigs instead of just the manipulation of numbers. (ASK)

Presents an activity that concerns children's reasoning about counting from the perspectives of informal mathematics, work center mathematics, and cardboard box mathematics. (ASK)