Presents 10 space-related ideas, thoughts, and questions represented on the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT) calendar. The ideas are on impossible shapes, fractals, space itself, galaxy, tesselated pigs, spirals, helices, black holes and three-dimensional surfaces, tesseracts, and mobius bands. (YP)

Described is an experiment for investigating the largest area for a given perimeter. Some instructional hints are provided. Eight references are listed. (YP)

The content of the standards focusing on numbers and numeration for grades K-8 are discussed. Several activities for developing number concepts and skills are described. (YP)

Learning at a distance from the source of instruction through textbooks and other media is distance learning. Robert Record wrote mathematics textbooks for the home learner of the sixteenth century. He used dialogue between Master and Scholar to present concepts and correct possible mistakes and misconceptions. (DC)

Trends in computer programing language design are described and children's difficulties in learning to write programs for mathematics problems are considered. Languages are compared under the headings of imperative programing, functional programing, logic programing, and pictures. (DC)

Examines aspects of the images and definitions that college students and junior high school teachers have for the concept of function. Provides a seven-item questionnaire. Describes and categorizes the various images and definitions of the concept. (YP)

Notes that vocabulary provides access to mathematical concepts and that several kinds of vocabulary--technical, subtechnical, general, and symbolic--should be taught during each lesson. Gives 13 practical suggestions for planning and implementing math vocabulary instruction. (ET)

This study of 24 third-grade students' comprehension of mathematical operations found that students who received instruction that provided explicit instruction focusing on conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and developing connections of mathematical concepts performed better than students receiving implicit instruction. (Author/JDD)

It is argued that the trend toward emphasizing conceptual knowledge over skills in mathematics instruction may require a reconsideration of the deficit model that has dominated intervention practice. General and specific suggestions are made toward establishing a new classroom environment for conceptual mathematics learning for all students.…

Describes a unit on rain forests in which first graders studied about rain forests, built a classroom rain forest, and created a bulletin board. They also graphed rainfall, estimated body water, and estimated the number of newspapers that could be produced from one canopy tree. (MKR)

Annotates 16 World Wide Web (WWW) sites dealing with math and science education matters covered in feature articles for this journal issue. Topics include math fairs, classroom restructuring, and hands-on science. (JW)

Reviews four books on teaching premathematical concepts to young children: (1) "Windows on Mathematics: Worktime Activities for Young Children" (Westley and Randolph); (2) "Hands-On Math: Manipulative Math for Young Children" (Stone); (3) "Books You Can Count On: Linking Mathematics and Literature" (Griffiths and Clyne); and (4) "Mathematics…

Discusses children's design of mathematical representations on paper. Suggests that the design of displays during problem solving shapes one's mathematical activity and sense making in crucial ways, and that knowledge of mathematical representations is not simply recalled and applied to problem solving, but also emerges out of one's interactions…

Included are activities and guidelines which suggest ways to use large numbers in relative terms so that they can become more meaningful for elementary mathematics students. Several spreadsheet projects illustrate the incorporation of the recommendations from the NCTM Standards dealing with number sense. (JJK)

Applies exponential growth and the speed of doubling times to the energy crises. Increases comprehension of this mathematical law and the significance of findings made through its use. Examines statements from authoritative sources on energy to illustrate the lack of understanding of arithmetic's relationship to the energy crisis. Suggests ways to…