This article was written as a result of the author reading "MT177," a special issue dedicated to the teaching of "proof" in mathematics. He used the ideas in this special issue for planning his session "mathematical reasoning and proof," which was part of a weekend course for primary trainees. It consisted of three activities: (1) How many…

An experiment is conducted for the oxidation of iron in a gel using consumer chemicals, which is pertinent to the students' understanding of redox chemistry and of the relative oxidation potentials of various metals. The experiment can be carried out with consumer chemicals that might be purchased at a supermarket and commonly found in the home.

"Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" outlines essential features crucial to teaching mathematics so that all students have opportunities to learn mathematics content with conceptual understanding. Although the document outlines extensive goals for the teaching and learning of mathematics, the majority of classrooms fall short in its…

This is an action research project to test a null hypothesis, which states that the use of manipulative materials within the context of mathematics instruction will not yield a significant increase in student achievement. Based on the research, using manipulative materials should have a positive impact on student achievement. Allowing students to…

This article describes how Lego robotics, interactive multimedia, and a simple manipulative--string--can be offered to students through coordinated activities to help them build a conceptual foundation for measuring rate. (Contains 5 figures and 3 tables.)

The theme of the 38th meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME 38) and the 36th meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA 36) was "Mathematics Education at the Edge." Academically, the theme provides opportunities to highlight and examine…

This paper reports on a project to enrich high school algebra and geometry programs through the use of manipulatives. The evaluation design utilized qualitative and quantitative methodology to determine the effectiveness and impact of training with manipulatives on 40 high school teachers. The final evaluation was based on: (1) review of the…

Mathematics research has discovered two elements that are consistently linked to student achievement: parental involvement and manipulative materials. This book offers a rich assortment of spinner, matrix, and card learning games which can be used in the classroom or at home. The concepts and skills range from whole number operations to geometry.…

This book contains 18 reproducible Math Storymats which can be a refreshing addition to any early elementary math program. Each storymat is accompanied by two separate read-aloud story selections that guide children in using plastic disk-shaped markers to interact with the mats in specific and open-ended ways. Together the mats and the…

Manipulatives are being used more frequently in primary school mathematics teaching and learning. This paper calls for a continuing research program including the role and acceptance of manipulatives in secondary school mathematics classes. It also seeks to identify and justify current teacher usage of concrete materials (manipulatives) in…

This presentation opens with a description of the multi-image slide program that accompanied the lecture on folk dance. Nonverbal content of the lecture-exhibit-performance is noted within brackets throughout the script. The lecture covers the subject of folk dance in the college/university dance curriculum, and the impact of folk traditions on…

Counting and dividing activities for 5- and 6-year-old children, using base ten multibase arithmetic blocks, are described. (DT)

The guide consists of patterns for making ten hand puppets based on Spanish games and characters. These hand puppets can be used by the teacher or student. They can be made of felt or construction paper. These hand puppets can teach a simple song and game or become a means of introducing many things. The patterns are for the characters of Cri Cri,…

A game based on the group of permutations on four symbols is described. The game can be used in the study of many algebraic concepts. (SD)

Study supported by research grant 1-K03-Hd36971 and by training grant 1-T01-Hd00203 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.