The problem of determining the most energy-efficient strategy to use in approaching a traffic light that is sighted at an unknown phase in its cycle is discussed. Included are calculations, results, and conclusions. (KR)

Described are some ways in which individual states code driver's license numbers. The encoding of month, date of birth, year of birth, sex, and others involving elementary mathematics and the use of an elaborate system of hashing functions in describing the first, middle, and last names are discussed. (KR)

Presented is a combinatorial problem based on the Hash House Harriers rule which states that the route of the run should not have previously been traversed by the club. Discovered is how many weeks the club can meet before the rule has to be broken. (KR)

The geometry problems of finding rectangles that have numerically equal areas and perimeters knowing when the plane can be tessellated by congruent regular polygons are connected by the equation: m = 2n/(n-2). Three graphic approaches to the solution of the problem when m and n are integers are discussed. (MDH)

Presents several problems that use calculator or computer-generated graphs of the absolute value function as related to the maximum and minimum functions to illustrate the statistical concepts of range, median, mean, and variance. (MDH)

Ways in which the standards of problem solving, communication, reasoning, and connections can be incorporated into the elementary geometry curriculum are identified. Visualization of figures, conservation of area, shape and space, and multicultural study are discussed. (KR)

An activity in which students use manipulative materials to help solve simple algebraic equations using the operations of adding inverses, removing opposites, and sharing equally is presented. Directions, examples, the rationale, and cautions are included. (KR)

Described is a programing application of the software, Mathematica, which allows students to explore the various cases involved in minimizing the sum of squares for the best fit of a regression line. Several examples are included with appropriate software commands. (JJK)

Student comments about having time in class to think and solve problems are presented. Stressed are teaching methods which allow students to familiarize themselves with the problem, think about solution processes, work through the solution process, and reflect while solving a problem. (CW)

Presents six construction problems in which key parts of the figure are made inaccessible, that is, a lake or an obstruction is inserted. Encourages creative thinking while improving problem-solving skills. Students are to show the construction, describe the solution, and verify correctness of the solution. (LDR)

Presents a problem that requires solving a card problem by exploring patterns that will lead to a logical solution. Involves students in developing and analyzing their own algorithms as well as discussing their reasoning with peers. (ASK)

This study examines the construct validity of the Mathematical Patterns Test using data from 848 Cypriot primary school students. Descriptive analyses across 5 age groups suggested a developmental structure of individual tasks and subdomains consistent with the design of the test. Acceptable fit was obtained using confirmatory factor analysis…

The importance of visual representation, usually a geometric figure presented in words and in mathematical symbols that is frequently found on high-stakes standardized tests is evaluated. The study shows that mathematics teachers can help prepare students to solve mathematical problems containing a figure not drawn to scale by looking for and…

In this paper we discuss a variety of writing, reading and assessment techniques used in an elementary problem-solving class for pre-service K-8 teachers at Western Oregon University. We share our experience in teaching problem-solving strategies through selection and creation of quality word problems, problem-solving assessment and the Oregon…

In the international community of mathematics and science educators the intuitive rules theory developed by the Israeli researchers Tirosh and Stavy receives much attention. According to this theory, students' responses to a variety of mathematical and scientific tasks can be explained in terms of their application of some common intuitive rules.…