A model that can be effectively used to develop the notion of function and provide varied practice by using "real world" examples and concrete objects is covered. The use of Popsicle-sticks is featured, with some suggestions for tasks involving functions with one operation, two operations, and inverse operations covered. (MP)

Learning activities using a two-pan balance to teach the concept of equality are described. Construction of a poster board balance is illustrated. (MP)

Results of the second mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are analyzed with regard to the performance of 13- and 17-year-olds on probability exercises. The results suggest that this area has been neglected in mathematics instruction. (MP)

Some patterns in prime numbers and their implications for general theorems are presented. Much of the material is taken from "The Strong Law of Small Numbers," an unpublished paper by Richard Kenneth Guy. (MP)

Discussed are the results of the second National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics assessment concerning children's ability to solve verbal problems. The data indicate that the commonly held view that children cannot solve word problems may be an oversimplification. (Author/TG) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in…

Described are graphing activities which can be instrumental in introducing the mathematics concepts of counting, sorting, grouping, and comparing on the primary level. On the intermediate level, these activites can be used to introduce collecting and sorting unorganized data, and creating graphs to represent the data. (Author/TG)

Two major periods of development in proportional reasoning are identified by analysis of a 23-item experiment given to subjects between 6 and 16 years of age. (MP)

An approach which seeks to stimulate interest in mathematics by enabling a student to use his knowledge in a nontrivial application is discussed. An example of how the approach was implemented is presented with an assessment of the results as measured by student reactions. (Author/TG)

Rule learning in mathematics among elementary school children is described. Samples of dialogue between experimenters and children are presented, and the concept of rule learning is described in relation to two subgroups, gifted children and "regular" ones. (MP)

The task of finding the least number and the size of weights necessary to weigh every integral number of pounds from one to 40 is presented as a problem solving activity for elementary classrooms. (MP)

Investigated was student inability to understand mathematics across concepts, focusing on the processes by which students solve problems. In-depth clinical interviews were used with students during ninth-grade general mathematics. Mathematical abilities investigated were information gathering, generalization, reversibility, flexibility, and…

A simplified method is reviewed for analyzing any quadratic equation to determine whether or not the equation represents a nondegenerate conic. (MP)

A special calendar chart is presented that can be used to find out what day of the week any date falls on during the 1980s. (MP)

The use of a 25-pin lattice geoboard in a six-week course in middle school geometry is presented, with sample activity cards and test items. Two other ideas discuss the use of algebra in solving verbal problems and teaching negative exponents. (MP)

The use of a computer program written in BASIC to help prove a theorem in geometry is discussed. Ideas used in this example could be applied to writing programs for other geometric proofs. (MP)