The development of aids for teaching a general physics course to blind students is discussed. Described are how the materials should be used considering the topic of equilibrium of a rigid body. Results and improvements obtained with this method of teaching are briefly discussed. (KR)

The uses that chemistry students (undergraduates, postgraduate, and trainee teachers) make of analog models when relating equations to projects were identified. Although only a restricted use of such models were found, and for none of the reasons valued by practicing chemists, patterns were identified. The implications for chemical education at…

Describes geometry-related activities that explore tessellation patterns and use origami and paper to create three-dimensional figures and pop-up cards. (MKR)

Presents an activity centering on Baravelle spirals in regular polygons to review and connect a number of algebraic and geometric topics, as well as to involve students in formal calculations, visualization, pattern discovery, series, estimation, and recursion. (MKR)

Describes a lesson in which a game involving base-ten blocks is used to teach place value. Discusses four steps to promote successful lessons involving manipulative materials: (1) manipulative choice; (2) lesson preparation; (3) active student participation; and (4) process evaluation. (nine references) (MDH)

Summarizes research into how children perceive three-dimensional objects. Focuses on the difficulty that students have in appreciating how the orientation of the semicircular canals affects balance and space perception. (DDR)

Examines the effects of different learning experiences on children's thinking about two- and three-dimensional shapes. (ASK)

Presents suggestions for creating play-learning environments designed to promote children's early literacy. Suggests that stimulating and inviting environments, abundant in print-rich materials, realistic props, and manipulatives meaningful to children are most valuable. Themes include hospital, pizza restaurant, hardware store, flower shop, candy…

Describes a physical system for demonstrating operators, eigenvalues, and superposition of states for a set of unusual wave functions. Uses candy to provide students with a visual and concrete picture of a superposition of states rather than an abstract plot of several overlaid mathematical states. (WRM)

Three third graders with a history of low achievement in math were first given verbal (abstract) instruction in solving word problems. Students were then introduced to manipulatives instruction using Cuisenaire rods to set up word problems. Students exhibited immediate and sustained improvement on subsequent probes administered without…

This article considers mathematics textbooks, materials, and manipulatives, which are commonly a part of mathematics instruction. Strengths and weaknesses of these instructional tools when teaching students with learning disabilities in mathematics are reviewed. Evaluation scales are presented for selection of textbooks, materials, and…

Presents hands-on activities that give students a head start in learning the vocabulary and basic theory involved in understanding atomic structure. Uses beads to represent protons, neutrons, and electrons and string to represent orbitals. (DDR)

Compared the impact of robotics (computer-powered manipulative) to a battery-powered manipulative (novelty control) and traditionally taught science class on science achievement and problem solving of fourth through sixth graders. Found that the robotics group had higher scores on programming logic-problem solving than did the novelty control…

Describes how the use of an area model manipulative can help students learn fractions and related concepts. Uses several illustrated examples. (MM)

This article describes using helium balloons to introduce students to integers and integer arithmetic. (Contains 9 figures.)