The results of a study of student attitudes toward mathematics before and after studying a "Mathematics Through Science" unit in the eighth grade are given in this report. Six significant attitude differences were found and used to group students into eight attitude groups. The identifying characteristics of these groups are discussed in detail.…

This report describes the attempt of one school district to improve its elementary mathematics program. The program was modeled after the Nuffield project with an emphasis on activity learning. The report outlines objectives, materials, facilities, and teacher education procedures. Some descriptive statistics are presented which are used to…

This pamphlet is a synthesis of the discussions that took place at a conference on the teaching of elementary mathematics using a laboratory approach. Presented is a definition of a laboratory approach followed by synopses on different settings for a laboratory approach, the role of the teacher, student produced materials and the use of activity…

This easy-to-read manual for parents describes what a baby learns in the first year of life and suggests specific things parents or caregivers can do to encourage a baby to use his body, senses, and mind to communicate. Each chapter is concerned with 1 month of the infant's life and includes sections on (1) Baby's Viewpoint (discussion of the…

This paper describes two studies conducted to investigate young children's manipulative responses to materials in a free play situation and to examine the resultant learning. Study I: Each child played with either a simple or a complex set of materials during three play sessions. Learning was measured on a posttest of classification ability.…

An evaluation of the first year of operation of the elementary part of the Individualized Mathematics System (IMS) is reported in this document. The opening section describes the IMS course, where re-usable workpages guide students to work individually, often using manipulative materials, to meet carefully defined objectives at nine levels. The…

The purpose of this study was to obtain insights into the learning of concepts in metric and non-metric geometry by fifth and sixth grade students. A total of 102 students were divided into two groups characterized by the amount and type of concrete activities used. A pretest and two posttests were given. Results showed that older students and…

The results of a study of student attitudes toward mathematics before and after studying a "Mathematics Through Science" unit in the eighth grade are given in this report. Six significant attitude differences were found and used to group students into eight attitude groups. The identifying characteristics of these groups are discussed in detail.…

Triple-thick cardboard can be used to make many different things in the classroom. This workbook describes some of the materials which can be made, starting off with a detailed look at making a table. Instructions are also outlined, with illustrations, for making shelves, storage units, stools and chairs, boxes and blocks, wagons, panels and…

This paper examines some of the manipulative aids used in elementary mathematics instruction from the point of view of the cognitive structures needed to understand them. The number line, measurement activities, models for place value, and models for fractions are discussed. (SD)

Through a series of games, children can be given practice on making change and operating with money. (SD)

The objective of this puzzle is to give students practice in linear measurement and obtain the skill of using a metrestick. A diagram for constructing the puzzle is included. (MP)

Manipulative models are compared to static models as effective adjuncts in learning to identify plant organs and tissues. Results offer statistical evidence that students have more success at learning to recall the names and functions of plant tissues and microscopically identify them if hands-on experiences have been provided. (Author/MA)

Five mathematical puzzles of the type requiring numbers or pieces to be placed in certain positions to produce a specific result are described. The puzzles are presented in the form of dice, pentominoes, boards, and numbered pegs. (MN)

Children attempted a division problem in one of four distraction settings: minimal, situational, color-attribute, or spatial-numerical. The effects of both grade level and distraction setting in problem-solving performance were highly significant, with children who used a manipulative approach being more prone to distraction than those using a…