Students are faced with many transitions in their middle school mathematics classes. To build knowledge, skills, and confidence in the key areas of algebra and geometry, students often need to practice using numbers and polygons in a variety of contexts. Teachers also want students to explore ideas from probability and statistics. Teachers know…

Presents an activity in which students investigate geometric probability at a school fair. (YDS)

Presents an activity on probability and area in which students try to decide which door to buy. (ASK)

Presents a problem-solving activity, the birth order problem, and several solution-seeking strategies. Includes responses of current and prospective teachers and a comparison of various strategies. (YDS)

This article discusses the importance of measurement in providing a foundation for mathematical study and how measurement can be integrated with other mathematical strands. (Contains 1 table.)

This article showcases four Shel Silverstein works and how they can be used to launch mathematics investigations across the curriculum. Each selection focused on a different mathematical strand; for example, a poem titled "Where the Sidewalk Ends" demonstrates measurement and proportional reasoning, and another poem, "Falling Up," demonstrates…

Describes a mathematics fair prepared by the University of Missouri Mathematics Teachers Organization (UM2TO) which includes games involving numbers and computation, logic puzzles, geometry and spatial-visualization exploration, and probability and statistics activities. Presents tips for developing a mathematics fair. (ASK)