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 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)

Presents techniques and materials for instruction at secondary school and upper elementary grades in mathematical concepts of number systems structure. Grouping is used as a simple algebraic system to illustrate structure. Closure, inverse, identity, commutative and associative properties are examines relative to manipulation of geometric figureS.…