Explores algebraic thinking as children search for patterns while collecting, organizing, and graphing data and as they derive equations describing relationships found in the data. (ASK)

Discusses the vital place of proofs in geometry classes. Argues that, although inductive geometry with computer software certainly makes theorems come alive, proofs lead to insight and understanding that allow students to extend the concepts that they see in examples. Presents a theorem, its proof, and a computer exercise. (ASK)

Recommends that mathematics instruction should promote student discourse by orchestrating situations in which each individual's thinking is challenged and asking students to clarify and justify ideas. Provides a vignette of a heterogeneously grouped seventh-grade mathematics class to illustrate the process of mathematical discourse. (ASK)

Presents an overview of the geometry findings of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and ways to use problems from the study to assess students' understanding of geometry. (ASK)

Presents a unit for fourth and fifth grades on fractions and mixed numbers in which students have to decrease and increase the number of servings of different recipes. Describes students' strategies for multiplying fractions, and discusses how the use of a ratio table facilitated their thinking. (ASK)

Recommends conducting interviews with students in order to grasp their understanding of fractions and provides interview questions. Presents results of a study using those interview questions and concludes student responses fell into three main categories: (1) described a mental image of an object; (2) drew a model of the fraction using a circle…

In today's society, changes in technology have made estimation skills more important than ever in the development of mathematical power. Presents a schoolwide activity in which students participate in a mathematical contest on estimation. Concludes that, in devising their estimates, students have practiced their problem-solving and sense-making…

Presents a game called Push-Penny, played by pushing a coin and having it land on a line, used to teach students to develop intuitive feelings for the consequences of randomness, including data handling and the construction and use of tables and graphs. (ASK)

Argues that basic components of discrete mathematics can be introduced to students through gradual elaboration of experiences with iconic spreadsheet-based simulations of concrete materials. Suggests that the study of homogeneous and heterogeneous patterns of manipulative spreadsheet templates allows for appreciation of the development of…

Presents activities on problem solving, mathematical induction, proof by induction, and use of the phrase "without loss of generality." Provides a computer application illustrating recursive and iterative functions using C language. (ASK)

These new paperbacks and recent paperback reprints present simple and complex math concepts as engaging, challenging puzzles and can make math fun for children from preschool through primary grades. (Author/AEF)

This article presents two statistical tasks, one on comparing data sets, another on repeated sampling, both of which have powerful connections to proportional reasoning. Students' work and reasoning on these tasks are included, as well as suggestions for ways to use these tasks with middle school students to connect statistical thinking to…

This article describes a series of mathematics activities based on the book "A Grain of Rice," which are designed to help students understand powers of 2. Ideas for activities in other disciplines are also provided. (Contains 3 tables.)

This article describes three engaging introductions for topics on a Cartesian graph and the distributive property. (Contains 3 figures.)

Integrating mathematics across the curriculum offers students the opportunity to link ideas in a natural, impactive way. In this article, the author shares some interactive math activities that she used in a fourth-grade class on "Cinco de Mayo," a holiday honoring Mexican independence. These fun activities not only allowed connections to be made…