Discusses two mathematical ideas that come from the Incan and Mayan cultures: (1) the quipus, an Incan recordkeeping tool that encoded data via a logical-numerical system on spatial arrays of colored, knotted cords; and (2) the link between recording time and counting in the Mayan culture. (MDH)

Uses ancient Egyptian numeration system in a new setting to extend the concepts of base, place value, and correspondence. Discusses similarities and differences between the Egyptian and decimal systems. Students are asked to propose changes to make the Egyptian system easier. (LDR)

In one school, algorithmic development has been infused in the mathematics curriculum. An example of what occurs in mathematics classes since the teachers began using the computer is given, with two students' conjectures included as well as the algebraic justification. (MNS)

Discusses activities using base-10-block skits to teach number system concepts in first grade classrooms. Describes the students' responses to the activities. (YP)

Describes the construction of a children's calendar for use in school, including development of time concepts, devising event-recording systems, daily and weekly schedules of events, multiple-week schedules of events, and a day-date calendar. (MKR)

It is difficult for students to unlearn misconceptions that have been unknowingly reinforced by teachers. The examples "multiplication makes bigger,""pi equals 22/7," and the use of counter examples to demonstrate the numerical property of closure are discussed as potential areas where misconceptions are fostered. (MDH)

This manual is a dictionary of some 150 errors made by students in their work in mathematics. A precise definition and examples are given for each of these errors and these, combined with a description of common causes of the error, form a background for diagnosis of student problems with arithmetic. Teaching strategies and ideas, each linked to a…

Reasons which account for Asians' superiority in mathematics achievement are discussed in this paper. It is suggested that the regularity of the Oriental number system facilitates counting, calculation, and concepts. This paper reviews a study which sought to determine whether and how the structural regularity of a counting system affected the…

Presented are the mathematical explanation of the algorithm for representing rational numbers in base two, paper-and-pencil methods for producing the representation, some patterns in these representations, and pseudocode for computer programs to explore these patterns. (MNS)

Discusses the use of the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus to motivate classroom activities related to computation and place value using the Egyptian number system. (PK)

Describes four activities designed to discover numerical patterns using a calculator or paper and pencil. Provides tables and figures for the activities. (YP)

Describes the steps for making overhead manipulative materials on base-10 blocks, colored chips, place-value charts, number lines, and grids. Suggests the materials, procedures, and uses. (YP)

Presents two practice-discovery activities to furnish computational review in a nonroutine setting. Provides a worksheet for the activities. (YP)

The introductory level curriculum guide for bilingual education for Serbocroatian-speaking children in the Chicago public schools is divided into three difficulty levels and is designed to facilitate acquisition of mathematical concepts by presenting them in the children's native language. At each level, the concepts covered include the meaning of…

Using the methods described, pattern representation of operations in modular systems can be developed. (SD)