Presents a technique for multiplying two-digit numbers whose tens digits are equal and whose units digits have a sum of 10. Then various mental calculations with other types of two-digit and larger numbers are discussed. (MNS)

Included in this section are brief articles outlining an approach to teaching mental computation, an inductive approach to algebra, and using football to teach probability. (MNS)

Students who can compute mathematical problems in their heads have learned a skill that is important for estimating and for understanding the number system. Practice activities that can help students master mental computation skills are described. (PP)

Presents a series of reflections in which a second-grade teacher recognizes the value of encouraging children to develop various computational processes as well as a range of different solution approaches. Uses the context of mentally calculating costs of menu items. (MKR)

The need to include proficiency with estimation and mental arithmetic as goals for the study of computation is presented. Approaches and guidelines are described for developing these skills.

Doing (addition and multiplication) and undoing (subtraction and division) are illustrated through drawings and sentences. Combinations of operations are also included. (MNS)

Presents an activity that concerns children's reasoning about counting from the perspectives of informal mathematics, work center mathematics, and cardboard box mathematics. (ASK)

Describes the method to solve problems called T-E-M-T-T: trial, error, and modified trial through technology. The method integrates students' skills of estimation, mental computation, and appropriate choice of calculator use. Includes 2 activities for each of grades K-4 and 5-8 that illustrate the method. (MDH)

Presents five activities focusing on mental computation and estimation for the K-3, 3-5, 4-6, and 6-8 grade levels that require the student, acting as a judge, to review solutions to problems and to pronounce and justify a verdict. Provides suggested materials, questions, possible extensions, answers, and worksheets for each activity. (MDH)

The calculator is used to obtain values for use in graphing curves. Three worksheets are included. (MP)

An example is given of a class of problems whose solutions require the use of a scientific calculator in order to plot the graphs. (MP)

Considerations of the history of similar techniques and the structure of the method itself are used to discuss this question. (MP)

A discussion is given of a method of finger reckoning in which the numbers one through ten are represented by one's fingers. (MP)

A method of multiplying using fingers is described and an explanation given. The method is then generalized to other number bases. (MP)

Describes a second-grade classroom project to collect pennies to buy playground equipment. The unit combined practical, hands-on experiences and reflected six standards from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum Standards. (MKR)