Four major types of games using two sets of materials (Logical Blocks and word cards) are described: free play with the materials; organization of materials; relations games; and classification by one, two, or three attributes simultaneously. (DT)

Teachers can use unit blocks as tools for directed learning activities, or blocks can be reserved for children's discovery learning experiences. To use unit blocks for discovery learning, children need adequate, protected space and sufficient, uninterrupted time. Given opportunities for free play with unit blocks, children progress through seven…

The results of a survey of elementary school teachers in North Dakota are reported, in a search for answers to two questions: (1) What manipulative materials are currently being used for mathematics instruction, and to what extent; and (2) Who is using them? A brief review of previous research indicated that the use of manipulative materials is…

The rationale behind the use of mathematics laboratories is stated, then directions for organizing and implementing a math lab are given. Topics such as housekeeping, keeping an inventory, noise level, record keeping and assignments, giving grades, correlating textbooks with a math lab, and finding meaningful laboratory problems are each discussed…

Text and illustrations show how to assemble furniture and toys out of cardboard tubes and sheets. Basic directions are provided, and the tools and materials necessary to the assembly of specific items are described. (MLF)

This literature review focuses on determining the psychological variables related to problem solving and presents arguments for self-correcting manipulatives as a media for teaching problem solving. Ten traits are considered: attitude, debilitating anxiety, self-concept, orderliness, set, confidence, impulsive/reflective thinking, concentration…

The study attempted to show that the first grade child's learning in a new area must involve overt concrete experiences from which new ideas will be derived. Forty-nine students, assigned to six groups, were instructed on three scientific concepts. The verbal instruction technique was similar to that suggested in SCIS. The application segment…

Described is "Project SOSO" designed to help elementary teachers improve methods for teaching arithmetic to low achievers in the sixth grade. The project developed methods and primarily free and/or inexpensive materials for teaching whole numbers, fractions, number theory, geometry, and probability. Preliminary results indicate that low achievers'…

This teachers' guide lists manipulative aids, audio-visual materials, and demonstration materials for use in the elementary school mathematics classroom. Organization of the guide follows that of the California Strands Report (1967-68), as represented by these nine strands of mathematical content: numbers and numerals, geometry, measurements,…

Directions are given for folding paper to show geometric figures and relationships. Topics covered are folding the basic constructions, geometric concepts concerning triangles and quadrilaterals, circle relationships, products and factors, polygon constructions, symmetry, conic sections, and recreations. (DT)

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of instruction using Dienes' perceptual variability principles on primitive generalization and mathematical generalization. The following was studied: the effect of achievement-to-criterion on one, two, or three non-symbolic embodiments of an objective using a selected class of variables on the…

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of instruction using Dienes' perceptual variability principle on the development of ability to operate with symbols in a meaningful way. The following was studied: whether an increase in the number of enactive and/or iconic embodiments of a concept utilized in an instructional episode will produce…

Derived from tests presently used by state and federal agencies involved with pollution detection, this Environmental Test Kit contains materials and instructions for ten experiments. Each experiment is designed to test a different aspect of air and water, to find out whether or not the air and water in the tester's immediate area has been…

This essay considers recent research on classification as related to the study of mathematics in the early grades. The first section deals with the bases and types of classification used by children in free sorting activities. The next section specifically relates to elementary school mathematics. Experiments and theory on class inclusion,…

This paper outlines the rationale of the Fundamentals Underlying Number (F. U. N.) program, and describes Unit I, which is primarily intended for nursery and kindergarten children. This unit develops concepts for sets, numbers, and relations. Each major concept is broken into finely sequenced levels, and at each level instruction is through two…