Describes an instructional method in secondary school mathematics applicable to physics instruction, to develop conceptual understanding of motion word problems. Distance, rate, and time are defined, used as variables and considered with relative motion as a unifying concept. (JM)

This material shows how to use basic techniques, principles of counting, and geometry to count squares on geoboards. The methods are elementary in that the proofs are easily conceptualized. A discussion of other approaches illustrates that easily stated problems may lead to very difficult and sophisticated methods. (MP)

Bulletin board possibilities are suggested for a sequence of topics and chapters taken from a typical, commercial, first-year algebra textbook. Each bulletin board not only correlates with the mathematics chapter topic, but also represents a pedagogical approach such as exploration, enrichment, reinforcement, initial exposure, and application. (JN)

Set concepts are used in this story about a swimming excursion in France, with "real" applications of mathematics presented. (MNS)

Important characteristics of literal symbols are considered. How letters are like numerals and words, but different, are discussed. Teaching suggestions are included. (MNS)

A card trick that can be explained and justified using first-year algebra is presented. It illustrates the power of mathematics to unmask seemingly complex situations. (MNS)

Most algebra textbooks use a trial-and-error method, but such a method is not necessary. A procedure is described which has been tested in basic and intermediate algebra classes for four semesters, with significant improvement found in pupil ability to handle trinomial factoring. (MP)

Many children do not appear to see any need to worry about the conventions for ordering operations or using brackets in algebra problems, due to the "intuitive" mode of approach they use in mathematics. The need to teach pupils the necessity of such conventions is discussed. (MP)

Reports results of a survey of postsecondary students that examines the main difficulties encountered in using elementary algebra in the sciences. (CS)

A lesson on a basic logarithmic property is presented, using geometric representations and limits of sequences. (MP)

Activities that can be used for maintenance of computational skills and can lead to the discovery of a pattern verifiable by an algebraic procedure are noted. The language of algebra is used in nonroutine settings, with several challenges for further exploration. (MP)