This book discusses four kinds of graphs that are taught in mathematics at the middle school level: pictographs, bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs. The chapters on each of these types of graphs contain information such as starting, scaling, drawing, labeling, and finishing the graphs using "LogoWriter." The final chapter of the…

LogoWriter provides the means through which students of varying backgrounds and abilities can experience different types of learning. It involves using problem solving, graphing, critical thinking, and other creative strategies. The lessons provided in this book contain ideas that allow beginners to explore various areas of Logo while using…

Background information on the testing program, administration details, and a description of the test are provided. The test, intended for administration in June 1986 to third-grade students in Alberta, Canada, consists of two sections. Section 1 is divided into two parts. Part A contains 25 questions covering numeration, geometry, and graphing; 12…

These materials are intended to provide meaningful mathematical experiences for pre-algebra students. These experiences emphasize the development of computational skills, mathematical concepts, and problem-solving techniques. This bulletin may be used as the basis for the second term of a one-year course, or for the second year of a two-year…

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…

The major findings and generalizations of nine separate experiments summarized in this report have come out of a program of research on human factors in telecommunications and teleconferencing systems at Johns Hopkins University. These findings, already published in greater detail in the open literature, relate to (1) how people naturally…

Although many of the word recognition skills needed to read narrative material are applicable to the language of mathematics, other specialized skills are also required to read mathematics materials. Among the factors contributing to students' problems in reading mathematics are the students' interest and motivational level, their readiness for…

An activity involving the charting of the spread of a disease is described. Arrows are used to develop models of the progression of the disease. (MNS)

In this paper we consider an experiment in which 15 years old students explore a phenomenon of covariance, by using Cabri for drawing geometric figures, measuring, and sketching graphs. In this way they collect different types of information. A first research question is how students deal with them in situations of exploration, in particular,…

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)

Uses air temperature profiles--a topic taught in beginning meteorology courses--to illustrate the ease of restructuring the teaching/learning environment as a problem-solving mode. Students access real-time information through Accu-Weather's interactive database. Students use the data to answer the question, "What happens to air temperatures…

This article, which is organized around a single, well-known algorithm for root extraction, presents a way of incorporating dynamical systems into the teaching of mathematics. Included are sample exercises using complex numbers and the computer where students have the opportunity to do some analysis on this algorithm. (KR)

Various ways in which computers can be used in the classroom depending on the subject, students' background, and individual teaching style are discussed. A way to evaluate professional software packages for use in the classroom is included. (KR)

Defines the mathematical concept of proportionality. Uses graphs of linear relationships to explore and make generalizations about the characteristics of proportional situations to help students critically evaluate problems involving proportions. (MDH)

Several types of physics activities that use real-world problems to motivate learners, use computers to assist in developing conceptual understandings, connect problem situations to mathematical models, and use the models to analyze other real-world problems are presented. The topics of racing sports, sailing, and damped harmonic oscillations are…