A brief outline of instruction for one unit of informal geometry is covered. The problem solving unit described involves work with picture frames and includes many mathematical concepts. (MP)

Aspects of the instruction of trigonometry in secondary school mathematics are reviewed. Portions of this document cover basic introductions, a student-developed theorem, the cosine rule, inverse functions, and a sample outdoor activity. (MP)

Described is a Kernel Design, used in the multiunit Discovery School in Mansfield, Ohio, to improve a general weakness in the areas of measurement and the use of monetary skills. Kernel Design is so named because it conveys the gist or core of an idea. (Author/TG)

A collection of calculator activities designed for lower level mathematics students is presented. The calculator is viewed as a tool to provide unmotivated or unskilled pupils with the opportunity to explore mathematical ideas successfully. (MP)

A collection of learning activities viewed as challenging and suitable for junior high students in grades 7 and 8 are presented. The questions are designed to suggest other situations and encourage mathematically gifted pupils to develop, practice, and refine analytical thinking skills. (MP)

Samples of materials available to students from grades 4 through 12 at a Mathematics Center are reviewed. The examples are part of a collection of more than 200 mathematical tasks using solid materials in a new approach to problem solving. (MP)

Explains why free-choice time, also called child-initiated time, is an essential daily part of all Head Start programs. Children have the freedom to initiate their own activities among the learning centers in the classroom, allowing them to develop their intellectual abilities, find solutions to problems, explore, inquire, and become adept at…

Proposes activities that promote students' awareness of the structure of the information involved in their everyday activities, and builds the concept of function from students' mental representations of phenomena. Recommends the use of spreadsheets to provide external representations of these functions. (DDR)

Students role-play one method the government uses to make decisions: a town council meeting. Groups express opinions for or against proposed resolutions and town council announces its decisions to the groups. Students learn how government resolves issues and develop criteria for making decisions. The example used is whether a limited deer hunt…

Describes a series of activities in which students collect data on personal information and interests and use them to create a database file. Constructing a database gives students the opportunity to satisfy their natural curiosity and use numbers as they make predictions, develop number and operation sense, and explore data, fractions, and…

This activity involves students investigating the mathematics of packaging and exploring various concepts in geometry, including area and the Pythagorean theorem. Mathematics comes out of the discussion of packaging cans into six-packs and focuses on the cost-effectiveness of the horizontal storage area used. Students learn how knowledge of…

Argues that genuine problem solving and investigation on the part of pupils rarely occurs in mathematics classrooms in Hong Kong and other Asian countries. Provides a rationale for drawing problems from the content of a curriculum or syllabus. (DDR)

Investigates the effects of selected characteristics of a web-aided instructional simulation on students' conceptual change, problem solving, and transfer abilities. Conducts a two-pronged research study with (n=117) students enrolled in a beginning meteorology course at Iowa State University. Compares three groups--with-log group, without-log…

Two aspects of instructional practice in mathematics are discussed: the process of developing instructional activities and the importance of engaging students in mathematical discussion. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards are evaluated based on this discussion. (CW)

Research findings concerning student learning difficulties in algebra are discussed. A teaching approach which takes into consideration these findings is suggested. Encouraging students to see patterns and to develop flexibility in their thinking are stressed. (CW)