Describes a way for students to learn to solve linear equations using physical objects (pan balances), diagrams, and symbols. Provides diagrams illustrating the method and five problems. Nine references are listed. (YP)

Describes how Suzuki's methods of teaching young pupils to play the violin can be combined with Polya's ideas on problem solving to teach mathematics to elementary school pupils. Six references are listed. (YP)

Discussed is the benefit of the inclusion of historical material in a student's text. Several geometry problems are used as examples. A suggested list of problem sources is provided in the appendix. (YP)

Determines which chessboards contain a chromatic rectangle having all four corners the same color for any black-white coloring. Expands the problem to a three color problem. (YP)

Discusses a technique for graphically composing functions. Describes three-step composition procedures in two- and three-dimensional rectangular coordinate systems. Provides three examples. (YP)

Describes learning difficulties students may have with the basic notions of linear algebra and three phases of abstraction. Discusses results of a program based on the abstraction process. (YP)

Inspired by the grassroots efforts of the civil rights movement, the Algebra Project in Cambridge, Massachusetts, involves parents and teachers in establishing an algebra curriculum for middle-school students. The project's philosophy is that access to algebra enables participation in advanced high school math and science, preparing students for…

Trends in computer programing language design are described and children's difficulties in learning to write programs for mathematics problems are considered. Languages are compared under the headings of imperative programing, functional programing, logic programing, and pictures. (DC)

A description of De Morgan's life and work is followed with quotations of his thoughts and insights on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The purpose is to illustrate the sharpness of his ideas, his creative insights, and his wit for the enjoyment of the reader. (DC)

Investigates the extent to which thinking skills and mathematical competency would predict the course performance of freshman and sophomore science majors enrolled in physics courses. Finds that algebra ability and critical thinking skills were the best predictors. (Author/YP)

The College Preparatory Mathematics: Change from Within Project (CPM) was created to develop a rich, integrated mathematics curriculum, based on the best current wisdom of how people learn and the mathematics needed in an era of computers, and involving teachers in materials development. (MKR)

Presents activities in which students study exponential growth and decay by collecting data, constructing graphs, and discovering algebraic formulas. (MKR)

Discusses the use of activities demonstrating connections between algebra and geometry, which helps students gain a conceptual understanding of important calculus ideas and gives a historical appreciation of how mathematics evolves. Uses distance, speed, and time problems as an example. (MKR)

Presents a mathematics investigation in which students discover number patterns in physical structures and express their generalizations algebraically. (MKR)

Discussion of the use of virtual reality (VR) to help students learn highlights the use of VR with elementary algebra. Learning theory is examined, including knowledge construction; knowledge representation is discussed, including the symbol systems of algebra; and spatial algebra is described and illustrated. (34 references) (LRW)