Presents an activity using base-10 blocks and the TI Explorer calculator to help fifth and sixth graders represent their ages in different numerical bases to appear older or younger than their real age. (MKR)

Many students can calculate the arithmetic mean but do not understand the concept. The article presents four activities designed to help elementary and middle school students develop this concept. The activities presented assume previous exposure to the computational algorithm for the arithmetic mean. (Author/EK)

Describes a school-wide project using popcorn to gain number sense by learning more about a million. Used the books "How Much Is a Million?" and "If You Made a Million" to introduce the project. (MKR)

Discusses children's place-value understanding, including initial learning interference, vertical number lines, and planned discourse. Describes a learning activity that can guide children from a concrete to a symbolic understanding of place value. (11 references) (MKR)

Provided are examples from many domains of mathematics that illustrate the Fubini Principle in its discrete version: the value of a summation over a rectangular array is independent of the order of summation. Included are: counting using partitions as in proof by pictures, combinatorial arguments, indirect counting as in the inclusion-exclusion…

A variety of suggestions for making the mathematics curriculum more meaningful and interesting to students are described. Activities that incorporate real-world situations are provided for verbal items, common and decimal fractions, estimations and rounding off numbers, large and small numbers, geometry, probability, and statistics. (KR)

Examined the effects of using structurally organized tile patterns or diverse objects in various patterns to represent numbers on kindergartners' learning of number concepts. Found that at the level of numerical operations, structured materials facilitate children's choice of non- finger strategies and speed up response time for finger-strategy…

Counting books offer children the time and the tools to develop the understanding needed to solve problems. Stimulated by these books, children may use mathematic language and talk about mathematics as they get involved with materials to move and manipulate, as they use supportive aids found in illustrations, and as they interact with materials to…

Mathematics activities and facts related to pi are presented in this issue of "Student Math Notes." Included are: (1) an exercise based on Buffon's needle problem in which pieces of toothpicks are dropped onto a ruled surface; (2) a calculation of pi to 200 decimal places; (3) exercises related to Biblical and ancient Chinese…

A problem solving approach to the teaching of the Pythagorean Theorem is described. (SD)

A unit on problems involving large numbers can begin with calculating the amounts of ingredients needed to produce several thousand hamburgers. Other sources of computational problems are described. (SD)

Describes how children can learn fundamental concepts of measurement by using nonstandard measuring devices and simple comparisons. (MLH)

This set of worksheets provides exercises related to making change, spending a fixed amount of money by "buying" items at listed prices, and deciding which of two quantities of coins has greater value. (SD)

This booklet is designed to introduce computers to children. A letter to parents is provided, explaining that a unit on computers will be taught which will discuss the major parts of the computer and programming in the computer language BASIC. Suggestions for teachers provide information on starting, the binary system, base two worksheet, binary…

Several classroom activities using sugar cubes, file cards, and other readily available objects are described. The author argues that use of such games can be used to foster mathematical creativity while strengthening computational skills. (SD)