Based on a college-level geometry course, presents practical suggestions for integrating exploratory computer applications into the mathematics classroom. Reveals that students need more experimental time with technology to reduce anxiety, and assessments need to be developed and implemented to tap the outcomes of problem solving and higher level…

Examines the performance of children in different grades as they attempt to solve simple equations involving addition and subtraction of integer numbers. The extended task involves creating a story that matches the equations. (DDR)

Describes a card trick that provides opportunities for students to discover patterns, work with variables, create tables, and ponder mathematics. Students at various levels of ability are able to enjoy the trick, and mathematical discourse is promoted within the classroom. (AIM)

This introductory article discusses the field of mathematics education for students with learning disabilities, from 1950 to the present. Topics addressed include different perspectives on mathematics learning disabilities, student assessment, mathematics programming, and teacher preparation. The mathematics standards endorsed by the National…

Students with difficulty in maintaining grade-level performance at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (Washington, DC) are learning mathematics and science skills using "The Voyage of the Mimi," a 13-segment video series and associated educational materials that detail a scientific expedition which is studying humpback whales. Team…

Presents a scenario in which two people solve a programming problem by discussing various number sequences and functions. The problem is redefined as one related to number theory and operations research. (DDR)

Describes a cooperative learning project with fourth-grade teachers and students. Discusses the K-W-D-L technique (what we know-what we want to know-what we did-what we learned) for mathematical problem solving. Concludes that having students write about their problem-solving experiences connects mathematics and communication skills and enhances…

Describes the Math Pals program which emphasized mathematics communication, allowed students to become active problem solvers with a pal in a different school, and gave students a multicultural experience. (JRH)

IMPROVE, a method for teaching mathematics in heterogeneous classrooms based on social cognition theories, was developed and tested in studies involving 247 and 265 seventh graders. IMPROVE uses metacognitive activities, peer interaction, and feedback-corrective enrichment. Results of both studies showed that IMPROVE students significantly…

Four students (ages 8-11) with mild mental retardation used an animated tutorial computer program to learn mathematical problem solving. Results indicated that all students obtained significant gains from pretest to posttest and had positive attitudes toward computers after training. Transfer of the problem-solving skills to paper-and-pencil…

Presents to second graders the concept of an n-gon, characterized by a commutative diagram which is composed of four ways of judging a given figure. Observes that some children gave persuading arguments containing a critical idea and the concept formation corresponding to a structure-preserved transformation in the diagram. (AIM)

Describes an activity in which geometry and trigonometry are studied using pyramids. Identical model pyramids are constructed from card stock, along with pyramids of different proportions and cuboids to use as controls. Also includes an investigation of some apparently non-scientific claims. (DDR)

Describes a project combining precalculus and transition mathematics students focusing on popcorn by comparing popping ratios of different brands of popcorn and finding what size box could hold the most popped corn. Project design required group effort and cooperation. Students exhibited growth of positive attitudes toward the study of mathematics…

Graphs from media sources and questions developed from them can be used in the middle school mathematics classroom. Graphs depict storage temperature on a milk carton; air pressure measurements on a package of shock absorbers; sleep-wake patterns of an infant; a dog's breathing patterns; and the angle, velocity, and radius of a leaning bicyclist…

Features articles about physical therapy and its history as related to geometry through measurement of body angles. Includes open-ended worksheets for mathematics activities that introduce students to angle measurement, data analysis, and mathematical tools. Activities include: (1) Making Your Own Goniometer; (2) Range of Motion; (3) Active versus…