Comparing 9-12-year-old readers with college student readers, two experiments were conducted to determine how youngsters differ from adults in their ability to identify meaningful units in a written passage, how they are affected by sentences of increasing difficulty, and whether they are aided by either shorter sentences or meaningful…

The enactive and iconic modes of instruction were compared in teaching preservice elementary teachers the mathematical concepts and skills necessary to teach mathematics via manipulative aids. No significant differences were found. (MP)

The use of dice and dominoes in the classroom is discussed as leading from counting activities to pattern recognition and discovery learning. (MP)

Magic squares are developed beginning with square arrays of playing cards. (SD)

Compared children's play with transformational objects (vehicles that change to robots) to play with representational objects (cars and figures). Found that those playing with transformers engaged in more parallel play and manipulative activity, while those with representational objects displayed more social play and more symbolic play. Found no…

Describes how to use common dice numbered 1-6 for simple mathematical situations including probability. Presents a lesson using regular dice and specially marked dice to explore some of the concepts of probability. (KHR)

Describes the use of paper folding to create a rich environment for discussing algebraic concepts. Explores the effect that changing the dimensions of two-dimensional objects has on the volume of related three-dimensional objects. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Movement activities which utilize a rectangular chute are described. The chute, in addition to its motivational qualities, can be employed in several fitness areas--flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. (IAH)

Describes hands-on class activities in which high school geometry students can create nested Platonic solids from posterboard. Includes discussion of the algebraic and pictorial relationships between pairs of Platonic polyhedra. (MKR)

The effectiveness of using a set of models in two protein synthesis laboratory exercises accompanied by a series of two lectures on the topic was assessed. The purpose, procedure, example test items, the findings, and a discussion are included. (KR)

Finds that an elementary mathematics-methods course provided preservice teachers with important knowledge and experience concerning the use of manipulatives. Notes that the preservice teachers learned mathematical content through the use of manipulatives in the course, and that they were concerned that difficulties might impede their ability to…

Presents an investigative process of conjecture followed by proof by induction using a combination of manipulatives and technology, placing special emphasis on the use of different representations. (ASK)

Presents two hands-on mathematics activities for teaching K -3 students to experience fractions on a tactile level. The first uses chocolates to demonstrate that fractions can be part of a whole, can be part of a set, and are equal parts. The second has students design a classroom fraction museum with fraction exhibits designed and presented by…

Examines two types of computer environments suggested by the new Standards, one of which is the computer manipulative and the other a navigational environment such as the computer turtle. Discusses the contribution that these environments can make to young children's mathematics learning. (Contains 12 references.) (ASK)

Describes and analyzes a learning episode in which two children in year 4 interact with each other and their teacher while playing a probability game involving chocolate M&Ms. Children developed key ideas in probability from a game that was designed to produce cognitive conflict. (ASK)