This article presents a group project that uses math, science, and art to help elementary school students explore the tones of music in their own world. The children make music out of their own telephone numbers, create a soda bottle and drinking glass band, and graph their own telephone numbers. (SM)

Presents tasks from the topics of calculus, statistics, non-Euclidean geometry, and probability to illustrate effective college mathematics teaching. Discusses some obstacles to change in college-level mathematics teaching and strategies to overcome those obstacles. (MDH)

Penrose tile patterns are created using regular pentagon-based rhombi. Provides instructions for assembling Penrose patterns, plus activities for secondary school students and preservice elementary teachers. Compares the two-dimensional process of placing pattern blocks to form Penrose patterns to the symmetries of crystals formed in nature.…

Offers seven criteria for developing mathematical thinking, plus suggestions for teaching and assessing students' progress that are compatible with each learning criterion. Provides evaluation sheets that help the teacher assess and grade students on the criteria. (10 references) (MDH)

Presents a sequence of hands-on activities to help students understand the concept of arithmetic mean and gain experience in using mathematical models. Students create models in the process of solving problems and communicate to the class the meaning attached to the models. (MDH)

Proposes the technique of group discussions in the learning of mathematics. Examines the teacher's role in creating an environment that encourages student participation; presents four techniques to initiate discussions in elementary school classes; and offers five attributes teachers need to develop in students for effective discussions. (MDH)

An action research project in (n=8) Welsh secondary schools found that participation in peer- and self-assessment involved students in a recursive, self-referential learning process supporting the development of metacognitive skills. The project developed approaches to teaching and assessing mathematical thinking skills in practical situations.…

Describes the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP), a four-year program of problem-based mathematics that integrates algebra, geometry, and trigonometry with additional topics, such as probability and statistics, and uses calculator and computer technology to enhance student understanding. (MKR)

This article introduces a section with 100 innovative suggestions for creative activities that go across the curriculum and across grade levels and that are designed to hold students' enthusiasm. The activities are grouped by language arts, math, science, and social studies. (SM)

Describes how one teacher is converting her traditional mathematics classroom into one that more closely reflects the NCTM Standards and shows how communication between professionals can result in rewarding changes in teaching and learning. Presents activities involving data analysis appropriate for middle school students. Includes reproducible…

Presents three activities that integrate Civil War studies into mathematics. Activities involve measurement, ratios, and proportions; percents and graphing; and statistics and data analysis. (MKR)

Compared the effectiveness of two instructional conditions in a first-grade mathematics class: one comprised entirely of teacher-directed activities; the other including a supplemental peer practice activity. Found that both procedures were associated with divergent instructional processes and that supplemental practice with peers increased…

Demonstrates the use of graphing technology to help students develop and interpret three models of jury behavior and explore the potential effect of such actions as changing jury size. MathCAD, an electronic notebook was used. (Contains 10 references.) (MKR)

Presents observations about the influence of mathematics textbooks and suggests ways to use textbooks to advantage while reordering the sequence and emphasis of topics to allow time for alternative activities. The fifth-grade mathematics curriculum is examined as an example. (MKR)

Presents an integrated math/science activity that shows students the differences among the three types of volcanoes using observation, classification, graphing, sorting, problem solving, measurement, averages, pattern relationships, calculators, computers, and research skills. Includes reproducible student worksheet. Lists 13 teacher resources.…