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…

Presents the idea of a mathematics workshop that teaches techniques that employs student choice, use of manipulatives, and student self-reflection. Shares the research base underlying mathematics workshops and describes how to conduct one. Illustrates three parts of the mathematics workshop: the minilesson, the activity period, and reflection…

Pilots and evaluates a math activity initially utilizing M&Ms as manipulatives, then progressing to computer software math activities, in five early childhood classrooms. Concludes that there were no significant differences between learning tasks, monolingual students vs. bilingual students, and manipulative (hands-off) activities vs. computer…

In this article, the author describes another teacher's unique approach to teaching science in one unusual second grade classroom. Immediately upon entering the classroom, the author was surrounded by an array of colors, shapes, and objects typically found in a forest. A multitude of puppets, stuffed animals, and live animals filled the classroom.…

This article describes four hands-on activities that can be used to develop probabilistic and statistical thinking in the middle grades. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)

An instrument for assessing young students' understanding of the English orthographic system is presented. The Tile Test measures understanding of phoneme awareness, letter-sound correspondences, decoding and spelling of words, sight-word reading, and the application of decoding and spelling in sentences. Metalinguistic questions embedded within…