Several problem-solving activities involving only 0-9 to be used with sets of ceramic tiles are presented. Finding specified sums, differences, or products is the object of most of the problems. (MNS)

Provides suggestions for organizing online educational projects. Topics include choosing curriculum-based goals; choosing an activity structure, including interpersonal exchanges, information collections, and problem-solving projects; exploring examples of other online projects; determining details; inviting telecollaborators; effective online…

Describes data analysis activities for grades three through six using unshelled peanuts. Includes two reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Describes some mathematical investigations of the necktie which includes applications of geometry, statistics, data analysis, sampling, probability, symmetry, proportion, problem solving, and business. (MKR)

The calendar provides elementary mathematics students with open-ended questions intended to engage them mathematically in high-interest activities. No answers are provided so that students are encouraged to look alone, or in small groups, for significant mathematical evidence to develop confidence and the necessary critical thinking skills. (JJK)

Discusses the ability of young children to engage in critical decision making. Reviews the steps in the decision-making process. Presents a lesson plan requiring children in grades four through six to analyze and decide whether the United States should take control of a mythical island. Provides instructions on procedures, handouts, and evaluation…

Utilizes the problem of determining the number of different ice cream cones and cups that can be made from a choice of 31 flavors to investigate the concepts of combinations and permutations. Provides a set of six related problems with their answers. (MDH)

An exercise that gives students a chance to use the equations of state for both an ideal gas and for an adiabatic process in determining the points at which heat flow reverses direction and at which the working substance reaches its maximum temperature is demonstrated. (KR)

Clapping music for two performers provides the basis for a series of mathematical problems in combinatorics and group theory. A discussion provides insight about how to avoid overlooking global extrema in constrained max-min problems when solving systems of algebraic equations. (JJK)

Evaluates well-designed cases involving students in situations which simulate those outside the classroom environment. Offers additional features based on problem solving and rhetorical theory to help make cases more adaptable to the field of professional communications. Describes examples of two types of cases which put the theory into practice.…

Except for its relationship to science, mathematics is the forgotten cousin in interdisciplinary teaching and learning. In the Journeys in Mathematics project, teachers engage children in imaginative activities that inspire them to identify patterns and relationships, solve problems, and communicate accurately, using Jonathan Swift's…

Defines Cascade's model of learning. Evaluates Cascade's model of rule-learning events by analyzing those gleaned from protocols of physics students solving problems and studying examples. Suggests ways that instruction can be improved to increase both the quantity and depth of learning events. (Author/CCM)

Each of the primary problems described in this article encourage children to "get into" the process of problem solving, and all can be introduced without written instructions. A demonstration by the teacher with large hands-on materials can involve all the children effectively and give him/her the opportunity to highlight key points and deal with…

Worthwhile mathematical tasks not only prompt students to learn mathematics, they also prompt teachers to learn and improve their teaching in their own mathematics classrooms. When teachers use worthwhile tasks, they have to learn "what aspects of a task to highlight, how to organize and orchestrate the work of the students, what questions to ask…

This book contains activities designed to help teachers enrich the mathematical experiences of all children and reach toward fulfillment of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Chapters include: (1) "Prenumber, Number, Non-Number"; (2) "Place Value"; (3) "Addition, Subtraction"; (4)…