Examines the relationship of the amount of available short-term memory with the complexity of tasks the subjects mastered. Presents some hints for a better design of instruction. (YP)

Identified are variables affecting performance of algebraic word problems for eighth graders. An appropriate readability level would seem necessary but not sufficient for student success. The structural variables used appeared to be good predictors of both the correct strategies and solving time. (Author/YP)

Responds to Crowley's and Wilson's articles on the reliability of the van Hiele Geometry Test. Discusses the issue of the difficulty of trying to maximize content validity while minimizing measurement error. (YP)

Identifies and discusses the overlap between mathematics and physics at different educational levels. Presents some examples of the overlap and some suggestions for teachers. (YP)

Investigates the relationship between the strategies used by preservice elementary teachers in geometric problem solving and two primary mental abilities--spatial visualization and formal reasoning. Reports that the two abilities were related to problem-solving performance, and the strategies used were related to achievement in the geometry…

Discusses the use of the mathematics classroom for discovering the relationship among computers, mathematics, and real-world problems. Provides three probability problems and compares the results of three methods, actual trial, computer simulation, and mathematical solution. (YP)

Describes a five-dice game, horse. Discusses the offensive player's strategy using the ideas of probability, such as counting outcomes, mutually exclusive events, conditional probabilities, zero sum games, and the use of computer. (YP)

Discusses teaching geometric concepts, including various shapes, patterns, and areas based on the NCTM Standards. Presented are activities for the geometric concepts. (YP)

Provides methods of teaching negative number operations, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Presents examples and activities for the operations. (YP)

Provided is a mathematical recreation to strengthen student mathematics skills. The object of the activity is to build up an expression using the four digits of the current year, without rearranging the digits and using combinations of operations, to equal a prescribed value. Descriptions and examples are included. (RT)

Introduces "The Bouncing Ball Project" made for teaching mathematics through practical mechanics. Describes four activities in the project: what is bounciness; drop height and rebound height; timing the bounces; and extension activities. Provides many worksheets, graphs, and a list of five other projects. (YP)

Describes a process of mathematical investigation involving generalized Fibonacci sequences. Provides the derivation using expressions, BASIC programs, and numerical verification. (YP)

Presents survey results from freshman engineering students at Colorado State University. Identifies the highest levels of math and computer courses taken. Notes although most students took high school calculus, 48 percent failed the college's analytical trigonometry examination. Develops practical ideas for the future. (MVL)

Suggests guidelines for introducing and using mathematics action books with primary-grade children. Lists resource books for teachers about counting, basic mathematics facts, and telling time. Author, title, price, address of publisher, and a brief description are provided for each book. (YP)

How children give meaning to problems solved by multiplying or dividing is considered. After showing two cases of children's understanding of multiplication problems, six recommendations for classroom practice are presented. (YP)