This document notes that the traditional elementary school mathematics curriculum focused on computation. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and other tests in states where minimum competencies have been established are thought to indicate computation-oriented curriculum has not produced the desired results. Further, the…

This document focuses on Core Algebra, a course offered in the Hawaii State Department of Education's "Mathematics Program Guide." This algebra option is designed to be less theoretical and more application-oriented than Algebra IA and IB. The text opens with a list of twenty minimum learner objectives of the course. The next section presents an…

This text is an example of a Selected Mathematics Applications (Level A) course, developed for the Hawaii State Department of Education. There are two basic parts to this document. Section one discusses the approach used to develop this course, and provides a brief description of current alternative materials and resources. No materials were found…

Suggests that student errors in mathematics be used as motivational devices and starting points for mathematical explorations, involving problem solving and problem posing activities. It is further suggested that errors can foster a deeper and more complete understanding of mathematical content and nature of mathematics itself. (PK)

Presents three reproducible worksheets which contain verbal problem situations in which numerical quantities have been omitted and represented by geometric shapes. The objective of the material is to develop the students' ability to analyze the mathematical structure in verbal problem-solving situations. (PK)

The problem-solving strategy "look for a pattern" is explored. The staircase problem and the region problem are discussed in detail, with varying solution procedures, and three other problem activities are outlined. (MNS)

Four types of experiences in problem solving are identified, and steps children must learn to do problem solving are presented. (MP)

A study investigated the mathematical problem-solving abilities of 18 fourth-graders with mathematics disabilities (MD) with and without comorbid reading disabilities (RD). Results demonstrated large deficits for both groups. However, the differences between students with and without RD were mediated by the level of problem solving and by…

Activities which may be used to investigate a variety of woven patterns are presented. Pattern predicting and analysis of different patterns are discussed. A Basic computer program for the weaving code is given. (CW)

Algorithmic and investigative approaches to mathematics are compared and discussed. Their mutually contradictory spirit is explored. Examples of the application of each method to a mathematics problem are presented. (CW)

Discussed are the major historical developments of geometry. Euclid, Descartes, Klein's Erlanger Program, Gaus and Riemann, globalization, topology, Elie Cartan, and an application to molecular biology are included as topics. (KR)

Investigates patterns of sex differences for responses to problems across the countries involved in the Second International Mathematics Study. Reports no substantial gender effects on any of the content areas using the median polishing method. (YP)

Presents two seasonally related investigations involving arithmetic series to develop critical thinking: (1) the number of candles needed for the eight nights of Hanukkah, and (2) the number of presents given during "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Students also calculated the amount of money needed to buy all the presents. (MDH)

This empirical investigation, implemented with a computer program, examined the influence of graphical and numerical representations on the discovery process involving iteration sequence properties and concomitant problem-solving abilities for 79 eleventh grade students and 22 secondary mathematics teachers. Results indicate that heuristics and…

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)