Describes a series of learning activities built around number cubes. Sample activities introduce elementary properties of the cube, the magic rule of seven, and basic concepts related to graphs in the plane coordinate system. (PVD)

Offers a problem for teachers to try with their students. The problem is presented visually as a row of 15 connected squares and the task is to determine the number of rectangles. The goal is to encourage teachers to reflect on students' work and analyze classroom dialogue. (PVD)

Describes a cooperative learning project with fourth-grade teachers and students. Discusses the K-W-D-L technique (what we know-what we want to know-what we did-what we learned) for mathematical problem solving. Concludes that having students write about their problem-solving experiences connects mathematics and communication skills and enhances…

Describes the Math Pals program which emphasized mathematics communication, allowed students to become active problem solvers with a pal in a different school, and gave students a multicultural experience. (JRH)

Presents criteria for designing craft activities that foster meaningful use of mathematical thinking and problem solving. (MKR)

Describes how teachers can present their students with a variety of experiences that promote the thoughtful use of calculators and a positive attitude in students and parents. Discusses using classroom banks, problem solving, writing word problems, holiday catalog ordering, and parent education. Includes sample activity pages. (MKR)

Discusses the problem-solving attempts of second-grade students while solving a rate problem. (MKR)

This article describes the journey one elementary school took to implement a standards-based mathematics program and increase student achievement by putting research into action. After learning that Evansville Elementary School (Evansville, Wyoming) had failed to meet the annual yearly progress (AYP) in mathematics, as mandated by the No Child…

These activities explore classification and logical reasoning by providing students with opportunities to generate multiple answers and engage in multiple classifications of the same item. No solutions are suggested so that students will look to themselves as the mathematical authorities. Sample items for classification include birthday months,…

Describes two approaches to connecting literature and problem solving with mathematics. One approach is to focus on a particular strategy of problem solving, then find a storybook related to the strategy. Another approach is to find a favorite children's book and develop the problem-solving portion of the lesson from the book. A resource list and…

Describes the Elementary Mathematics Research Model, which furnishes a vehicle for problem solving through real data collection and analysis. (MKR)

Describes the use of the children's book "Geraldine's Blanket" to promote discussion and allow the teacher to assess the children's understanding of area, place value, number sense, fractions, and problem-solving strategies. (MKR)

Presents mathematics activities that give students in grades three through six practice in writing and problem solving by using the setting of a zoo or animal park. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents an assessment activity to determine the ability of students to devise a plan for solving a problem and recording their work while solving the problem. Uses the theme of planning and organizing a birthday party. (MKR)

Discusses opportunities to use nursery rhymes to aid in the mathematical development of young children. Considers rhymes that involve patterns, ordering, and problem solving. (MKR)