Presents a 12th-grade class project on measuring velocity-dependent forces encountered in two common forms of locomotion--rollerblading and cycling. (WRM)

Describes a modification to an inexpensive pinewood derby car that can be used to demonstrate the summation of the force vectors important in sailing. (WRM)

A major cause of the difficulty undergraduate mathematics majors have with the transition from elementary to advanced mathematics courses is that advanced courses require students to understand how mathematics is created. Describes a course whose main purpose is to introduce students to the creative process in mathematics. The course consists of…

In today's society, changes in technology have made estimation skills more important than ever in the development of mathematical power. Presents a schoolwide activity in which students participate in a mathematical contest on estimation. Concludes that, in devising their estimates, students have practiced their problem-solving and sense-making…

Presents a brief definition and examples of residue designs while sharing some of the algebraic thought that a student used to form generalizations about the patterns discovered during the investigations of residue designs. (ASK)

U.S. mathematics education has been criticized for being too broad. This article examines ways middle school students use simple problems and situations to foster a deeper understanding of underlying concepts. Presents a sample area and perimeter problem, describes extending the problem using tiles to determine minimum perimeter, and discusses…

These new paperbacks and recent paperback reprints present simple and complex math concepts as engaging, challenging puzzles and can make math fun for children from preschool through primary grades. (Author/AEF)

Analyzes the use of the commutative property for solving multiplication problems by children who learn about multiplication in schools and by street vendors who solve multiplication problem through repeated addition. Concludes that the use of commutativity to solve multiplication problems is closely related to the use of multiplication. Contains…

The effectiveness of simulations for teaching statistical concepts was compared to the effectiveness of a textbook. Subjects were 115 college students. Subjects trained by simulation performed significantly better than those trained with a textbook. Results support the increasing use of simulation in education and training. (AEF)

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Describes the use of spreadsheets in a third grade class to teach basic mathematical concepts by investigating the existence of vampires. Incorporates addition and multiplication skills, patterning, variables, formulas, exponential growth, and proof by contradiction. (LRW)

Focuses on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2000 process-oriented standards of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation as providing a framework for using the multiple intelligences that children bring to mathematics learning. Presents ideas for mathematics lessons and activities to…

A major reason the quality of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) varies widely is inconsistent use of the social discount rate (SDR). This article offers guidance about the choice of the SDR. Namely, we recommend the following procedures: If the project is intragenerational (does not have effects beyond 50 years) and there is no crowding out of private…

While researchers generally agree that literacy skills should be taught directly to adolescents across the curriculum, and that there are adequate research-based strategies for doing so, expets point out that much of that information has failed to reach the classroom, or has been ignored by teachers, who are either ill prepared or disinclined to…

Many common objects can provide numerous opportunities for students to develop mathematical concepts and skills. The lesson described in this article provided an excellent opportunity for middle school students to discover how real-life situations do not always present obvious "right" answers. As students explored a question related to the…