Offers an adaptation of Readers Theatre based on nonfiction trade books as an alternative to content area textbooks. Discusses the benefits of nonfiction trade books and of Readers Theatre. Offers guidelines for adapting materials to Readers Theatre scripts. Discusses suggested titles and sample script excerpts for health, math, science, and…

The integration of science and mathematics in the middle school using the topic of meteorology is discussed. Seven selected activities for this approach are suggested. Lists of materials and resources for use in this teaching approach are appended. (CW)

Much constructive computer and programable calculator activity can be stimulated by BASIC programs that are only three or four lines in length. This article illustrates several ideas with accompanying BASIC program, particularly related to the learning of algebraic concepts, that can be explored with both elementary and secondary mathematics…

Tips are given on how and when to use videotaped lessons to provide for continued classroom productivity in spite of anticipated, or even unexpected, absence of the mathematics teacher. In an accompanying article, a graphical approach to determine whether a limit exists is explored with numerous examples and illustrations. (JJK)

With reference to a self-paced calculus course, the following aspects are reviewed: the structure and the mechanisms, the grading and credit arrangements, the essentials of proper record keeping, the restrictions and prerequisites for enrollment, the cost and the effectiveness, and the potential for application to other mathematics courses. (JJK)

Presented is the solution to the problem of calculating the probability of winning or losing a game played by moving a counter from the center of a hexagonal grid according to the number shown after the toss of a die. The exercise is an example of an interesting mathematical investigation. (MDH)

Provides Terrapin LOGO programs that use graphic manipulatives--squares, logs, and units--to form the area of a rectangle as a graphical representation for any trinomial of the form: Axx + Bx + C. An important component is the connection of the procedural skill of trinomial factoring to the visualization of the accompanying rectangular displays.…

Presents two mathematical methods for fitting the logistic curve to population data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau utilizing computer algebra software to carry out the computations and plot graphs. (JKK)

Details the planning and the outcomes for an undergraduate seminar course that introduced students to journal articles and graduate level texts pertaining to theoretical computer science. Included are useful guides for students that provide basic techniques for reading mathematical papers, and that lead students through the process of generating…

Discusses the dynamics and outcomes of an unplanned classroom activity that developed from the integration of the use of spreadsheets with the study of the characteristics of previously collected seashells, specifically their color, size, shape, texture, and any other obvious differences. (JJK)

Describes a comprehensive program developed at the University of Minnesota to help adult students who suffer from mathematics anxiety. The three components of the program--a diagnostic clinic, individualized tutoring, and content courses--are designed to analyze student needs, both mathematical and emotional, and to address those needs in a…

Suggests resource materials useful to teachers that integrate mathematics history into the classroom. Presents helpful information for cataloguing information, sources for general overviews, detailed works, mathematics in its wider contexts, special and classroom topics, and the most economical materials. (MDH)

This study examined the precollege mathematics preparation of first-year college students (n-69) with very high mathematical aptitude. Despite most students' radical acceleration (as part of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth), achievement in coursework was high. Gender differences were found in degree of acceleration and choice of…

Reports on the effects of long-term intervention in the teaching of mathematics through the analysis of standardized test score data over a 9-year period at a K-8 elementary school. Results indicate that a more thoughtful, or conceptually based, approach to elementary mathematics instruction has an overall positive effect on test scores. (28…

Discusses the differences between teaching for procedural understanding and teaching for conceptual understanding by asking several penetrating, open-ended questions, directed at teachers, about the type of mathematical understanding students are achieving within several examples of classroom situations. (JJK)