This paper describes the author's attempt to design assignments that engage preservice elementary teachers in original mathematical thinking. In particular, the choice of integer operations as the focus of a structured writing assignment that takes students two weeks to complete is explained and justified. Exemplary student work is quoted.…

Describes a pattern which emerged from an examination of the digits of the squares of numbers. Provides eight examples having the pattern at the units or tens digit of the number. (YP)

The number sense program in Texas was developed to help motivate students to learn mathematics and to literally develop "number sense." A description of the program, a 70-item exercise (with answers), and teaching tips are provided. (JN)

Discusses figurate number learning activities using patterns and manipulative models. Provides examples of square numbers, triangular numbers, pentagonal numbers, hexagonal numbers, and oblong numbers. (YP)

Describes properties of Fibonacci numbers, including the law of recurrence and relationship with the Golden Ratio. Discussed are some applications of the numbers to sewage of towns on a river bank, resistances in electric circuits, and leafy stems in botany. Lists four references. (YP)

This theoretical paper proposes a way to extend the partitive and measurement interpretations of whole number division to fractional contexts focusing on the issue of units. We define the unit-changing and unit-keeping interpretations for division and suggest a stronger and earlier focus on the concept of units in courses for prospective…

A narcissistic number is a positive integer equal to the sum of its digits raised to an integral power. For example, 15 is equal to 1-cubed plus 5-cubed plus 3-cubed (a narcissistic number of order three). A computer program to find narcissistic numbers up to 10,000 is given and discussed. (JN)

Gifted students attending a week's summer mathematics program completed problems involving elementary number theory ideas and extensions. The sequence of these problems and strategies used are presented to help teachers looking for topics to enrich the mathematical experiences of students in middle grades or older. (JN)

Describes several phenomena in which interesting properties of numbers are demonstrated. Includes discussions of amicable, perfect, and sociable numbers. Presents computer programs for conducting a number chain search. (RT)