Mrs. Fisher's class was learning about arithmetic functions by pretending to operate real-world "function machines" (Reeves 2006). Functions are a unifying mathematics topic, and a great deal of emphasis is placed on understanding them in prekindergarten through grade 12 (Kilpatrick and Izsák 2008). In its Algebra Content Standard, the…

Ms. Beyer's first graders have been working for several weeks on solving problems that encourage the use of such multiple representations as ten frames and number lines. The class is using Math Trailblazers, a National Science Foundation-supported elementary school math curriculum developed to reflect recent reform efforts in mathematics…

Uses student reading interests as a context for data collection, and asks them to represent their findings in different ways using tables, bar graphs, pictographs, and pie graphs. (ASK)

This article describes a unit of instruction designed to promote algebraic thinking in second graders. Students examined second- and fourth-grade students' ages and heights on a table and graph and described the patterns that they observed in the data.

Gives a multi-lesson project exploring multiplication arrays. Students are given opportunities to model multiplication tables with rectangular arrays, develop and extend ideas about patterns, organize and present visual patterns symbolically in tables, and represent visual patterns graphically. (MKR)