Middle-school students were asked to determine the dimensions of a hotel atrium so that guests could enjoy the maximum area of scenic view, given that 650 feet of brass railing could be used around each floor. Several solution approaches are described. (MKR)

Describes a wide range of activities based on a grade-number theme of "two" in second grade, "three" in third grade, and "four" in fourth grade. (MKR/SW)

Several examples of solid figures that calculus students can use to exercise their skills at estimating volume are presented. Although these figures are bounded by surfaces that are portions of regular cylinders, it is interesting to note that their volumes can be expressed as rational numbers. (JJK)

Games and activities which involve problem solving are presented in order to help teachers develop the numeric, geometric, and logical thought processes of elementary school students. The activities and games (many of which are pencil-and-paper) require using logic, plan-ahead strategies, spatial reasoning, strategies based on prior patterns or…

The activities and games collected in this publication have their roots in different parts of the world. They can bring the vitality of ethnic and cultural diversity into the mathematics curriculum, and can enhance the background of the ethnically "different" child and expose children to the ethnic heritage of others. The materials are…

This skills pack is intended to assist numeracy tutors working with adults needing help with basic arithmetic, time telling, and money concept skills. The following materials are included: money worksheets (dealing with British currency); worksheets introducing subtraction and the various phrases used to express the difference between two numbers;…

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics curriculum. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

This book was developed by teachers for parents to work through with their children. Learning activities are provided for each of the mathematics skills on the third-grade Basic Skills Test in Louisiana. Two pages of practice activities and games are provided for each skill, plus a test question similar to that on the Basic Skills Test. The topics…

This paper presents descriptions of a variety of learning activities suitable for the elementary grades. The activities were developed by teachers, and contributed by them to this volume. Some of the activities are short while others are intended to be carried out over several days. Paper-and-pencil activities, games, and projects involving making…

How calculators can enhance problem-solving abilities is discussed. Examples of calculator table-building activities that span the gap from arithmetic to algebra in middle schools are given. Percent, area and perimeter, and exponents are the focus. (MNS)

Included in this section are activities on checking with magic squares, general equations for a reflection in a line, little-known facts about the quadratic function, discovery involving volume, and conic sections. (MNS)

This easy-to-navigate guide offers research-based teaching strategies for introducing prekindergarten and elementary school students to the content and skills recommended by the NCTM principles and standards for mathematics. Using the popular format of the "What Successful Teachers Do" books, the authors present 47 dynamic learning activities,…

The performance of sixth and seventh graders on a variety of tasks involving estimation and reasonableness of results were studied. Also examined was the effect of a short unit of activities on these two topics. Correct answers approximately doubled after instruction. (MNS)

Presents an instructional approach that utilizes paper-folding activities to help students understand the concept of fractions. Utilizes an area model of multiplication to extend the concept of multiplication of whole numbers to multiplication of fractions. (MDH)

Presents activities developed for teacher training courses for the middle school level that integrate mathematics history with the selected topics of number systems, fractions, and geometry. The activities seek to give relevance to history and to motivate and deepen students' understanding of the evolution of mathematical concepts. (MDH)