Integer operations are typically introduced in sixth grade, but they are a consistent area of struggle among these students. This struggle also inhibits their understanding of algebraic computations involving positive and negative terms. In this article, the author provides introductory tasks and models for adding and subtracting integers that can…

There is a large body of research that suggests a sound understanding of rational number is vital for success in all areas of mathematics, at school and beyond. In the Australian Curriculum, fractions are formally introduced from Year 1, yet there is evidence to suggest that current approaches are not leading to deep understanding in later years.…

The development of math reasoning and 3-d mental rotation skills are intertwined. However, it is currently not understood how these cognitive processes develop and interact longitudinally at the within-person level -- either within or across genders. In this study, 553 students (52% girls) were assessed from fifth to seventh grades on 3-d mental…