A study of fourth and fifth grade classes suggests that competitive math activities give boys an advantage where cooperative math activities generally give girls an advantage. Suggestions to help teachers balance their teaching methods to decrease disparities between boys and girls are made. (MT)

Describes an elementary school program of free enterprise education that involves students in real, money-making business activities. Discusses previous class projects and methods for integrating all aspects of education into this program. Provides guidelines for starting a similar program. (GEA)

Discusses various ways that writing can facilitate learning in a developmental psychology course. Argues that writing assignments are valuable because they promote active learning and provide another way to teach psychology. (Author/GEA)

States that childrens' spatial conceptualization of maps progresses from topological to projective to Euclidean. Provides guidelines for conducting map activities with young children which take account of these and related factors. Recommends block play with verbalization for very young children, followed by mapping of familiar environments. (JDH)

Questioned is a method of having students tap reference points on numerals to count out sums, differences, and products. How the method works, educators' reactions, and problems noted in interviews with children are discussed. (MNS)

Front-end estimation is discussed, with several examples, teaching tips, testing tips, and some references on research and additional activities. (MNS)

The focus is on suggestions for teaching rounding wisely as an estimation strategy. (MNS)

Four levels of difficulties that children have when working with ratios are described, with a sequence of activities aimed at helping them develop this concept. (MNS)

Instruction in estimation is proposed as a natural context to develop and practice important thinking skills. These skills are described and estimation activities are proposed for each. (MNS)

One view of mathematical thinking is described, followed by detailing of the characteristics of a problem-solving program necessary to develop this kind of thinking. (MNS)

A New China Studies unit offers insight into the history of one of the oldest cultures. Activities encourage students to explore the China mystique through study of that country's art, folklore, and history. Background information on China is offered. (DF)

A general framework consisting of four curricular dimensions (content, process, product, learning environment) and criteria for developing and judging appropriate curricula for gifted students are presented with adaptations for gifted preschoolers. Examples of teaching activities and techniques appropriate for gifted preschool students can be…

Presents a technique for multiplying two-digit numbers whose tens digits are equal and whose units digits have a sum of 10. Then various mental calculations with other types of two-digit and larger numbers are discussed. (MNS)

Presents a problem-solving activity in which students first guess and then check their answer. Also presents an activity to help students develop skill in understanding the question in a problem and a suggestion to help develop a classroom climate conducive to problem-solving. (JN)

This article offers ideas and activities to help develop a multidisciplinary unit that motivates students to learn about the languages, legends, and lifestyles of Native Americans. (DF)