Presented are three methods to enrich the mathematics classroom. The first introduces an activity allowing students to discover the law of sines. The second gives eight distance-rate-time problems of value for their counterintuitive or elegant solutions. The third poses multiple answer questions that promote student interaction and communication.…

Discusses the problem of finding the amount of fence it would require for the outfield fence of a baseball field of given dimensions. Presents different solution methods for each of the levels from grades 9-12. The different methods incorporate geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and calculus. (MDH)

Presents suggestions for using math performance assessments in elementary classrooms to help students develop mathematical thinking skills. The article lists National Council of Teachers of Mathematics evaluation standards for mathematics assessment and describes a number of problem-solving activities for students. (SM)

Reports the results of an observational study concerning mathematical word problems to provide direction for others contemplating analyses of student difficulties from a theory base. Finds that most students experience difficulties in applying past experience, knowledge, and the language of mathematics to form internal world models. (PRA)

Included are five activities which focus on using and interpreting data about popcorn. The integration of mathematics with science, health and social studies is stressed. Each activity includes procedures, a reproducible activity sheet, and several suggestions for extension activities. (CW)

Video cameras can be used to gather data, record the development of a project, document learning, aid in problem solving, or create a class archive. Short clips can be laced together with dialog or music without extensive editing. (SW)

Investigates different approaches of students from different cultures to problems and problem-solving strategies. Suggests ways to encourage students to use algebraic strategies. Provides some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

The abacus is a calculating tool that has been used in Asia for thousands of years. Mental abacus calculation is a skill in which an abacus image in the mind is used without the actual physical manipulation of the abacus. Using this method, people can perform extremely rapid and accurate mental calculations. Research indicates that abacus training…

The Calculators and Mathematics Project, Los Angeles (CAMP-LA), funded by the National Science Foundation for developing use of technology in the classroom, developed curriculum materials focused solely on the use of calculators. The project was developed in three stages. The first stage studied the mathematics curriculums from different states…

The National Science Foundation funded Calculators and Mathematics Project, Los Angeles (CAMP-LA) developed curriculum materials focused solely on the use of calculators. The project was developed in three stages. The first stage studied the mathematics curriculums from different states and identified topics that are not included but should be if…

This paper examines the definition of a problem and at the process of problem solving. An analysis of a number of first and third year chemistry examination papers from English universities revealed that over ninety per cent of the "problems" fell into the "algorithm" category. Using Bloom's taxonomy and the same examination…

Two studies investigated the effects of a storytelling-context for teaching geometry skills to kindergarten girls and boys. In Study 1, the story+geometry intervention consisted of an adventure story teaching geometry through part-whole-relations puzzles. Learning was assessed through transfer of skills, using a pre-/post design comparing…

A highly flexible learning tool, referred to as a dynamic reaction figure, is described. Application of these figures can (i) yield the correct chemical equation by simply following a set of menu driven directions; (ii) present the underlying "mechanism" in chemical reactions; and (iii) help to solve quantitative problems in a number of different…

In this study, we attempt to put in question students' spontaneous and uncritical application of the simple and neat mathematical formula of linearity. This is impelled with the help of a written test involving geometrical problems, which is based on an original experimental setting. In this setting, grade 9 and 10 students were instructed first…

Reasons for poor performance in mathematics by students in the United States are discussed. According to the authors, too many students never experience arithmetic at a physical, concrete level. Students are drilled in arithmetic facts without any meaningful context and are given few opportunities to use numerical concepts in real-life…