Pick's theorem can be used in various ways just like a lemon. This theorem generally finds its way in the syllabus approximately at the middle school level and in fact at times students have even calculated the area of a state considering its outline with the help of the above theorem.

This article describes an alternate way to utilize a circular model to represent thirds by incorporating areas of circular segments, trigonometric functions, and geometric transformations. This method is appropriate for students studying geometry and trigonometry at the high shool level. This task provides valuable learning experiences that…

There have been calls for at least 30 years in American education for a return to basics in mathematics instruction. The problem lies in defining what is basic. Mathematics is more than arithmetic. It is a fabric of ideas, relationships, principles and procedures. But all too often the emphasis in classroom instruction is on static facts and…

Donna Whyte presents specific strategies for addressing classroom management problems, and she doesn't shy away from tough issues such as bullying, lying, and stealing. Her focus is on an even greater challenge, teaching children the skills they need to control their own behavior. Whyte offers humor, perspective, and insight as she shares her own…

Photonovels look like comic books but contain photographs instead of drawings. Because photonovels combine pictures and everyday language, adult ESL learners can use them to communicate their thoughts and ideas. Photonovels can also be an aid in learning spoken and written English. This article describes a photonovel project that one of the…

"Teaching Kids to Change the World: Lessons to Inspire Social Responsibility for Grades 6-12," by Jennifer Griffin-Wiesner and Chris Maser, is a practical guide that provides educators with the essential tools to inspire young people to change the world for the better. Focusing on eight principles of change, it includes lessons, examples and…

This article addresses how metacognitive skills contribute to the teaching and learning of problem solving in mathematics. It describes the development and use of a metacognitive journal activity in the classroom. (Contains 2 figures.)

Research has established that children's development of addition and subtraction skills progresses through a hierarchy of strategies that begin with counting-by-one methods through to flexible mental strategies using a combination of knowledge of basic facts and understanding of place value. An important transition point is the shift from the…

Project-Based Learning (PBL) connects standards-based content to real-world scenarios through the use of projects to improve student achievement. By engaging students in authentic problems that do not have a predetermined solution, students learn both subject matter and critical 21st-century skills. This "Focus On" addresses what…

This document presents ideas and activities for teaching algebra. The section on "Week by Week Essentials" provides seven resources in a weekly format. It includes writing ideas that provide an algebra prompt and requires students to organize their thoughts and present them in a coherent fashion, and connections to the real world that…

Introduces the concept of artificial intelligence, discusses where it is currently used, and describes an expert computer system that can be used in the technology laboratory. Included is a learning activity that describes ideas for using intelligent computers as problem-solving tools. (Author/CH)

An exhibit at the San Francisco Exploratorium is used to discuss problem solving and illustrate optimization. The solution is discussed in detail. (MNS)

Use of the LOGO System, a computer based learning environment, allows for individualized instruction of many types of handicapped students and emphasizes process over product in the solving of problems. (CL)

Suggests using games to teach students how to ask effective questions. Games include "I've Got a Secret,""What's My Career,""To Tell the Truth,""Jeopardy,""Stump the Teacher,""Ten Q," and "Question Circle." (KC)

Twenty skills are identified and illustrated by example activities which should help the student receive, organize, and analyze data; manipulate it at a symbolic or model level; and treat it in imaginative ways through purposeful distortion and fantasy. (CL)