Explores useful ways of teaching the volume of pyramids using cubic blocks and spreadsheets. Presents a lesson plan with teaching suggestions. (KHR)

Discusses a teaching method for multiplication using manipulative materials. Provides examples of the teaching method and activities using individual chalk boards. Two references are listed. (YP)

The use of developmental algorithms to develop skills is described. Children make the transition from using concrete materials to using a standard algorithm. (MNS)

Several problem-solving activities involving only 0-9 to be used with sets of ceramic tiles are presented. Finding specified sums, differences, or products is the object of most of the problems. (MNS)

Describes five types of activities that elementary school teachers can use to help students understand decimals. These activities use money calculations, base-10 blocks, meter sticks, calculators, and problem solving. Specific examples are provided. (MDM)

Presents an activity using base-10 blocks and the TI Explorer calculator to help fifth and sixth graders represent their ages in different numerical bases to appear older or younger than their real age. (MKR)

Discusses the Mathematics Tutorial Program, which assigns preservice teachers to inservice elementary teachers to tutor students in mathematics using manipulatives and a hands-on approach. Classroom teachers commented on the children's improved self-esteem and confidence in mathematics. (Author/MKR)

This planning guide for efficient use of the last weeks before school opens offers ideas for interactive hall and wall displays, a guide to self-made math manipulatives, a materials checklist, a four-week task planning countdown, and a listing of teacher resource books and other classroom materials. (SM)

Illustrates the addition, subtraction, and representation of fractions using an area model and a measurement model. Also demonstrates multiplication and division of fractions by employing the area model. (ASK)

Rich and stimulating instruction in geometry can be provided through playful activities with mosaics such as pattern blocks or design tiles. Presents an intriguing mosaic puzzle to describe activities at various developmental levels and how the activities can help develop children's geometric thinking. (ASK)

A study investigated effects of a graduated instructional strategy on solution of algebra problems involving subtraction of integers for three adolescents with learning disabilities. Students successfully moved through three levels of instruction: concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract and applied a first letter acronym, STAR, to help them…

Uses a traditional approach with problem solving, a concrete approach with manipulatives, and a visual approach with computer spreadsheets to teach the arithmetic mean to 22 children in grades 4-6 in three multiage groups. Differences among pretest, posttest, and interview performances suggest some advantage to the use of a visual instructional…

Describes the use of manipulatives for solving simple combinatorial problems which can lead to the discovery of recurrence relations for permutations and combinations. Numerical evidence and visual imagery generated by a computer spreadsheet through modeling these relations can enable students to experience the ease and power of combinatorial…

Uses marshmallows to teach students about atomic structure by having students make models of atoms out of marshmallows. Allows for creativity while enhancing students' understanding of atoms. (ASK)

Focuses on the strategies young children (N=115) use to solve rectangular covering tasks before they have been taught area measurement. Children's solution strategies were classified into five developmental levels. Emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the size of a unit and the dimensions of the rectangle in learning…