Studied (n=87) elementary cooperating teachers' self-reported familiarity with, availability of, and use of 11 common manipulative devices and their perceptions about factors to consider when using manipulatives to teach mathematics. Found limited use of manipulatives and a pattern of diminishing use through the grades. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

Gives a lesson plan for a mathematics activity using balloons which shows connections between the algebraic concepts of slope, linear functions, and power functions and the geometric concepts of circle, sphere, volume, and pi. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents activities that use physical models to help students see the natural progression for steps in mathematical induction. Contains reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Examined the effects of activity period duration on preschoolers' play with playdough and blocks. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed significantly more constructive and dramatic play, and less functional play, at the end of the play period. Differences between the quality of play in block and playdough centers were found. (Author/BB)

Authors have found that students have experience with metric units for volume and length; however, students have difficulty conceptualizing mass measurements in terms of grams and kilograms. Presents an activity, "Mass Appeal," where students use an equal arm balance to become familiar with the gram. (PR)

Discusses flexible polyhedrons, called flexors, that can be bent so that the faces stay rigid while the angles between them seem to change. Presents models representing flexors and directions on how examples can be constructed. (MDH)

Discusses the role of concrete materials in teaching for understanding, including research on the use of concrete materials, seeing mathematical ideas embodied in them, and identifying what teachers want students to understand. (Contains 16 references.) (MKR)

Presents activities involving multiple embedded figures beginning with the problem of counting the number of squares on a checkerboard. Offers several extensions and assessment suggestions. Includes student worksheets. (MKR)

A study that revised and validated the criterion-referenced mastery measurement (CRMM) constructed specifically for the capillary melting point determination technique (CMPDT) is described. The methods, results, and conclusion are included. (KR)

Some of the underlying values associated with particular beliefs a teacher held about the teaching (and learning) of reading are delineated. Also delineated is how those beliefs changed when the teacher personalized and constructed new visions of her role as teacher through critical reflection. (KR)

The issue of division by zero is discussed. Activities that cover the topics of measurement division, partition division, relationship to fractions, confusion with dividing into zero, dividing zero by zero, and relation to more formal numbers are presented. (KR)

Describes a way to teach secondary teacher education majors to use simple manipulative objects to teach a few vocabulary concepts in their content area. (SR)

This article compares the relative merits of using Cuisenaire rods (unsegmented, unnumbered, and representing continuous quantities) and number sticks (segmented, numbered, and representing discrete quantities) to introduce number and arithmetic concepts to beginning students or students with learning difficulties or mental disabilities. (DB)

Another way to add and subtract, in which the mental regrouping strategy is applied to an original 10-structure, is presented. Pupils use a visual model, called "little person," to move from counting to visualization. Originally designed for use with pupils with learning disabilities, this method has wider applicability. (KR)

Discusses the renewed interest in clay as a modeling compound in early childhood programs; describes the nature of clay and presents a working vocabulary. Suggests methods of working with clay, including introducing clay to children, discovering its uses, clean up, firing clay, and finishing baked clay. Includes activity suggestions and…