Describes the use of manipulatives to teach the fundamental concept of limiting factors and presents a series of questions that can be used to test whether students are harboring some of the most common misconceptions about limiting factors. Includes applications to discussions of cultural eutrophication and vegetarianism. (JRH)

Activities which can be used to explore arrangements of five-sided polygons to cover a plane with no spaces are suggested. Sample tessellations are provided. Instructional methods involving this concept are discussed. (CW)

Presented is a game using different types of dominoes that represents growth of seeds from the beginning of the universe. Included are diagrams of the types of seeds, instructions, and examples of the game play. (KR)

Described are plans for the construction of seven three-dimensional puzzle pieces from wooden cubes. Provides examples of figures and lists 10 references. (YP)

Describes a model for teaching early algebraic concepts using manipulative materials for elementary school students. Presents a rationale for the model. Provides activities for solving algebraic equations using envelopes and counters. (YP)

Some activities with tangrams and their use for investigating fractions, constructions, and percentages are presented, with worksheets included. (MNS)

Examined is the effectiveness of a computer software package designed to be consistent with a fraction strip chart model. The materials are described; they were used with three fourth-grade classes, while two other classes acted as controls. (MNS)

Presents cost analyses of building a patio, incorporating manipulatives, pattern building, graphing calculators, matrix applications, and functions. Includes reproducible student worksheet. (MKR)

Discusses using what students already know about taking away objects when teaching subtraction and gives six lessons to develop language for discussing and recording subtraction situations that give meaning to the subtraction algorithm. (MKR)

The absolute-value scale, a manipulative that students can construct from a sheet of ruled notebook paper, helps to promote conceptual connections between the number line and the notion of absolute value as distance. This manipulative technique is particularly suited to students who are struggling with transitional abstract cognitive development.…

Discusses the use and construction of "fact fans," fun and easy-to-make manipulatives that provide elementary school students with the opportunity to explore mathematics operations being studied in the classroom and to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. (BB)

Students examine the concepts of electrical circuits and switches by building their own alarm systems. Students apply their understanding by creating recorder, window, pressure sensitive, and lunch box alarms. (MDH)

Examined whether use of robotics had a greater effect on elementary school children's achievement in science concepts and problem-solving abilities than use of battery-powered motorized manipulatives or no manipulatives. Found no significant difference in achievement from use of robotics except in programming language problem solving. Both…

Manipulatives make possible an indispensable form of hands-on investigation in science instruction. A Yale University study found that simple objects kept elementary-age children involved and entertained with very high levels of attention and concentration. Manipulatives also encourage social interaction, enhancing cooperation, harmony,…

Asserts that, for young children's development, there is no other activity as meaningful as play. Discusses how play helps in life skill development, how children learn through their senses during play, how play contributes to children's independence, how to shop for toys, and age-appropriate toys and activities. (EV)