Describes two lessons for helping children learn the concept of habitat. Shows how to make habitat hand mobiles, shoe box habitats, and suggests discussions involving these materials. (CW)

Argues that "appropriate practical work" in mathematics aids understanding. Presents ideas and activities for teaching mechanics. Discusses modelling, problem formulation, and interpretation. (PK)

Presents a variety of examples through which kindergarten and primary grade children can engage in significant problem solving. The suggested activities use materials in a problem solving context to permit children to experiment, to create, and to make measurements. (PK)

The purposes, materials, and roles of teachers and students in developmental and practice lessons are contrasted. Two lessons designed to help students acquire understanding of geometric figures and of place value and two games for each are included. (MNS)

Provided are follow-up activities for having students explore the concept of line symmetry. Using a mirror to move a pattern; finding patterns with one, two, or four lines of symmetry; finding asymmetrical patterns; deciding if patterns are different; and solving the problem of finding all patterns possible are discussed. (MNS)

This guide is a collection of ideas for mathematics activities which were assembled and tested by primary teachers. The activities supplement the teaching of basic numeracy and include topics such as algorithms, pyramids, magic squares, multiples, and number values. The guide is organized into four sections: (1) addition and subtraction; (2)…

This guide is linked to a science curriculum and was designed for use by those involved with early childhood education. The goal of this document is to enable caregivers and teachers to use the curriculum in a more varied, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate way. Topics discussed include student attitudes toward mathematics, parent…

This paper describes a follow-up to a 1998 study that reexamined several aspects of elementary science students' achievement, attitudes, and journal writing in conjunction with an Alabama Hands-on Activity Science Program (HASP) grant utilizing the Full Option Science System (FOSS) kit. During the four weeks of the study, 20 fourth grade students…

Discusses why university freshmen may be deficient in mathematics and investigates methods of diagnosis and remedy. Improvement of manipulative skills is emphasized. Deficiencies due to failure to understand concepts and notation are discussed in an appendix. (Author/SA)

The author examines Maria Montessori's philosophy and methods of music education for children, with its emphasis on sensory, manipulative materials and instruments designed specifically for the young child. (KC)

The design of a "percent computer" that uses the concept of similar triangles is presented. The device can be easily made by elementary and secondary pupils out of graph paper and string. Sample student problems are included. (MP)

Describes activities in which students perform experiments with physical models that they create. Students develop geometric intuition and build a concrete foundation upon which abstract principles can be built. (DDR)

This study evaluated effects of manipulative instruction on perimeter and area problem-solving performance of three middle or high school students with learning disabilities in mathematics. Students rapidly acquired the problem solving skills, maintained these skills over a two-month period, and transferred the skills to a paper-and-pencil problem…