This article details an exploratory data analysis project using the Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP) based on the "Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education" (GAISE) four-part statistical problem-solving model. The project goal was to answer what similarities and differences exist within the school…

This article describes the two types of reasoning in fraction conceptions that students often use, "gap" and "missing piece," and one that the authors aspire their students to reach, "residual." Each of these types of reasoning are underpinned by a different conception of fractions. Students who use "gap…

Understanding and supporting students' development of graph literacy is important. We studied how aspects of graph literacy might be supported (or hindered) in middle school by analyzing the content in textbooks. Specifically, we conducted a content analysis of tasks involving two-dimensional Cartesian graphs presented in grade 6-8 US textbooks.…

In this qualitative study, the researchers investigated the types of K-6th grade lessons 16 preservice elementary teachers created based on mathematics-themed children's books. Lessons were analyzed using Stein et al.'s (2017) Task Analysis Guide (TAG), as well as grouped based on grade level and covered Common Core State Standards Mathematical…

Area models are an important strategy for representing and solving multiplication problems under the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (NGA Center and CCSSO 2010). The hands-on task presented in this article, featuring differentiation and open-ended learning, sets up students to discover area models for themselves. Organized around…

Representing repeating nonterminating decimals as rational numbers is a topic introduced in the seventh-grade Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. According to Content Standard 7.NS.2.D., students should be able to represent a rational number as a decimal and understand that the decimal will either end in zeros or eventually repeat (NGO…

Now in its fourth edition--with more than 50 new questions and a new chapter on financial literacy--this bestselling resource helps experienced and novice teachers effectively and efficiently differentiate mathematics instruction in K-grade 8. Math education expert Marian Small shows teachers how to get started and become expert at using two…

In this study, we examined and compared volume and volume-related lessons in two common core aligned U.S. textbook series and Korean elementary textbooks. Because of the importance of textbooks in the lesson enactment process, examining what textbooks offer to students and teachers is important. Since different parts of a textbook provide…

This article details a high school classroom activity in which algebra tiles are used to help students gain a conceptual understanding of completing the square. The activity utilises the eight elements of effective mathematics education suggested in the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics' (NCTM's) "Principles to action: Ensuring…

A study with prospective teachers without prior mathematical modeling experience sheds light on how their newly developed conceptual understanding of modeling manifested itself in their work on the final task of a modeling module within a pedagogy course in secondary mathematics curriculum and assessment. The main purpose of the module was to…

The correct use of visual perspective is one of the main reasons that virtual reality environments and realistic works of art look lifelike. Geometric construction techniques used by artists to achieve an accurate perspective effect were developed during the Renaissance. With the rise of computer graphics, translating the geometric ideas of 600…

Long before the release of the Common Core State Standards (CCSSI 2010), the Mathematical Tug-of-War was engaging students in the type of reasoning and problem solving described by the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP). In this updated version of a Marilyn Burns task, students use algebraic reasoning to determine the outcome of a contest…

A first-grade teacher has students use their hands and fingers to engage in and develop understanding of counting, to combine groups to facilitate counting by fives and tens, and to describe their findings using words and equations.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the mathematics that emanates from the construction of an origami box. We first construct a simple origami box from a rectangular sheet and then discuss some of the mathematical questions that arise in the context of geometry and algebra. The activity can be used as a context for illustrating how algebra…

Student achievement in mathematics is correlated with factors related to student engagement. Improving engagement has the potential to improve student achievement at the middle school level. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics explicate eight specific Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) that clarify the types of skills and…