Engineering-based modeling activities provide a rich source of meaningful situations that capitalize on and extend students' routine learning. By integrating such activities within existing curricula, students better appreciate how their school learning in mathematics and science applies to problems in the outside world. Furthermore, modeling…

Fostering algebraic thinking is an important goal for middle-grades mathematics teachers. Developing mathematical reasoning requires that teachers cultivate students' habits of mind. Teachers develop students' understanding of algebra by engaging them in tasks that involve modeling and representation. This study was designed to investigate how…

This article discusses two sequences of activities that were developed to support middle school students' and preservice teachers' construction of algorithms for dividing fractions. One sequence is intended to promote understanding of the common-denominator algorithm; the other sequence is intended to promote understanding of the…

This article describes the formation of a pedagogy-focused online discussion group for middle school mathematics teachers. Advice is offered for those seeking to establish similar conversations among their colleagues.

Demonstrates and compares three commercially available statistical software packages, Statistics Workshop, Data Insights, and Data Desk, using a five-component investigation model to analyze a problem about hat sizes. (MKR)

Describes the Six Through Eight Mathematics (STEM) middle school mathematics curriculum project. Emphasizes that the use of thematic modules promotes students' development and application of mathematical concepts in broad contextual situations. Presents an assessment criteria for teachers and focuses on the use of open questions and their role in…

Presents an extended activity consisting of a sequence of tasks organized so that students can visit several mathematical concepts concurrently and explore connections among them. Students build solids using bendable straws to form the skeletons of various polyhedra. Topics covered include tables and charts, algebraic expressions, surface area,…