The advantages of using interviews to diagnose children's needs are discussed. General interview strategies and specific questions for gaining insight into a student's understanding of the four operations are presented. (MNS)

This article discusses techniques for calculating the net worth of prospective college and university donors, explaining how to base a net worth calculation on known statistical averages. It then reviews several formulas for estimating a person's giving ability. (MDM)

The effects of generating versus reading the answers to multiplication problems were studied with 28 2nd graders who had not yet been taught multiplication. Results are explained in terms of a procedural account of the advantage after retention interval for generation. Instructional applications are discussed. (SLD)

A Chinese mentally retarded calendar savant (age 19) was evaluated for his exceptional proficiency in calendar calculation including converting the Gregorian calendar to the Chinese calendar. Results did not support hypotheses of use of eidetic imagery, high speed calculation, rote memorization, or keying-off (anchoring) strategies. (Author/DB)

Fourth grade students participated in mental arithmetic activities for eight weeks. Posttests revealed that the experimental group performed significantly higher than the control group on arithmetic problem solving and arithmetic computation. Females appeared to benefit more from the instructional program than males. (KS)

Examined the relationship between counting knowledge and computational skills for 13 mathematically disabled (MD) first graders who showed a delay in acquiring mathematical skills and 24 nondisabled first graders. MD children's immature counting knowledge and poor skills at detecting counting errors underlay their poor computational skills on an…

Ninety-six eighth and ninth grade algebra students were asked to judge the equivalence of pairs of equations and to justify their responses on the basis of transformations or calculations. Students who gave justifications based upon transformation schemes had a significantly higher rate of correct responses than students who calculated solutions.…

Reviews several student-tested computer software programs for math instruction: Gameco's "Word Problem Square-Off"; "MathKeys" by MECC and Houghton-Mifflin; Davidson and Associates'"The Cruncher"; and Sunburst Communications'"Exploring Mathematics with Technology: Number and Operation Sense." (HTH)

Describes an activity for computing the volume of water in a blanket of snow, focusing on measuring and controlling variables, and then using critical thinking skills to analyze data. (HTH)

Fourth graders' (n=117) solutions to addition problems were analyzed in terms of standard or idiosyncratic written algorithms. Students had not previously been taught pencil-and-paper algorithms. Preference for horizontal layout, working from left to right, and a wide variety of written algorithms were found. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/MKR)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the constant time delay procedure, while comparing the efficiency of using teacher-selected and student-selected material prompts, in teaching multiplication facts to 4 male students with learning disabilities (ages 9 to 13). Results indicated that the time delay procedure was most efficient when students…

Suggests math activities for elementary students that are designed to strengthen problem-solving, computation, and calculator skills by revolving around the real-life situation of a picnic. The article suggests designing a class project to plan and carry out a class picnic, stressing the use of mathematics and calculators. (SM)

Links proposed low-energy scenarios for different Western European countries with the amount of pollutants that may result from these scenarios. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions are calculated for the 10 countries for which low-energy scenarios are available, resulting in reductions of 54%, 37%, and 40%, respectively.…

The dynamics of some common sports, such as race walking, running, cycling, jumping, and throwing, are presented. Rough estimates of the relevant physical quantities required for these individual sports are discussed. General mathematical formulas are derived which can be used for judging the performance of any athlete. (Author/KR)

Using a physical picture, an expression for the maximum possible transverse velocity and orientation required for that by a linear emitter in special theory of relativity has been derived. A differential calculus method is also used to derive the expression. (Author/KR)