The inertial balance is one device that can help students to quantify the quality of inertia--a body's resistance to a change in movement--in more generally understood terms of mass. In this hands-on activity, students use the inertial balance to develop a more quantitative idea of what mass means in an inertial sense. The activity also helps…

In this article, the author offers two well-known mathematical images--that of a dot moving around a circle; and that of the tens chart--and considers their power for developing mathematical thinking. In his opinion, these images each contain the essence of a particular topic of mathematics. They are contrasting images in the sense that they deal…

This article considers steps towards making a numeracy-across-the-curriculum policy. Numeracy means more than the kind of everyday arithmetic a person (a competent independent adult) needs to handle whole number (and simple decimal) calculations; e.g., money, time, and simple measurement. Importantly, aspects of numeracy arise in any everyday task…

These item specifications were developed as a part of the Arkansas "Minimum Performance Testing Program" (MPT). There is one item specification for each instructional objective included in the MPT. The purpose of an item specification is to provide an overview of the general content and format of test items used to measure an…

An introduction to the Hupa number system is provided in this workbook, one in a series of numerous materials developed to promote the use of the Hupa language. The book is written in English with Hupa terms used only for the names of numbers. The opening pages present the numbers from 1-10, giving the numeral, the Hupa word, the English word, and…

Presented are the results of an investigation of stimulus integration capabilities of three- and four-year-old children in judgments of small and large numbers. There is much evidence that suggested young children have a concept of number for small numbers, but not for large ones. A concept of number was hypothesized by Piaget to rest on the…

This guide represents the final experimental version of a pilot project which was conducted in the United States between 1973 and 1976. The ideas and the manner of presentation are based on the works of Georges and Frederique Papy. They are recognized for having introduced colored arrow drawings ("papygrams") and models of our numeration…

This book contains mathematics activities based upon the concepts of Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio. The activities include higher order thinking skills, calculation practice, integration with different subject areas, mathematics history, extensions and home tasks, teaching notes, and questions for thought and comprehension. A visual map…

This book contains "math mind benders," puzzles that are worked like crossword puzzles except that each square is filled with a digit rather than a letter. Clues to the puzzles are interrelated with each other and a given story. Clear thinking and deductive reasoning must be used to find potential answers and eliminate those that fail to meet all…

Examines questions about reported findings that the natural number concept derives from a prior understanding of ordination rather than a prior understanding of cardination. (GO)

The use of the stanine scale to control some of the sources of error in converting letter grades to a numerical scale before they can be added or averaged is described. (Author/RK)

The representation of a binary number by a row of people sitting or standing by their chairs is reviewed. The representation is extended into a counting activity and then directions are given for combining the counters into an automatic "machine" which will add, subtract, multiply, and divide. (DT)

Not all of mathematics can be taught in formal textbooks. Just as an English course can be enlivened by selections from literature, a mathematics course can gain depth and interest from special readings. This volume can be read in conjunction with the SMSG First Course in Algebra or Intermediate Mathematics. It introduces the subject of number…

This supplement was written for students who are especially good in mathematics and who have a lively interest in the subject. It is suggested that the supplement be read with pencil and paper in hand. All questions should be considered and answered, if possible, when they occur. A casual reading of the supplement is, in most cases, unprofitable.…

Demonstrates the interplay of a cognitive system, the Basque numerative system, and a behavioral one, counting sheep. The significant features of the Basque numerative system are analyzed; then it is shown how use of these features facilitates the counting of sheep on open ranges by Basque sheep farmers in California. (Author/RM)