Presented is a conversation with students that gives an insight into the ways students think about decimals. Students were introduced, with the use of a calculator, to decimal notation and systematic experimentation. What students had learned throughout this conversation is discussed. (KR)

Presented is the problem of determining alternative schedules for major league baseball. Equations of the schedule, conditions on the solutions, and solutions are discussed. (CW)

Develops properties of tasks that are pedagogically efficient and allow students to discover mathematical concepts for themselves. Illustrates the structure and philosophy of powerful tasks for the concept of angle. Presents seven examples of powerful tasks, including two involving two-dimensional graphic systems. (Contains 39 references.)…

Investigates several problems with the sequences of numbers known as the Catalan numbers and the Bell numbers. Finds that the problems are appropriate for both pre- and in-service teachers, as well as students studying discrete mathematics. (Author/CCM)

The celebration of an annual event turned into a 5-week project on medieval life for a kindergarten class. Children were active participants in the planning and execution of the project in which they created a medieval kingdom. A variety of activities enabled the children to further develop skills and expand their knowledge of the topic. (TJQ)

A middle school science teacher describes the learning and thinking processes of his class as they worked and played with pendulums and learned to build a swing that could tell time. The article illustrates how students can learn the value of the scientific method for problem solving. (DB)

Describes types of puppets, including finger, glove, hand, shadow, marionette, and mechanical. Gives reasons for using puppets with children ages two through seven, including enhancing language and thinking skills. Explains how teachers can introduce tough issues such as AIDS and abuse through puppetry. Details a sequence of activities for…

Used a penny arcade game concept constructed by preschoolers as a learning tool. Found that the interests of children were clearly visible through their use of peer teaching, collaboration, problem solving, divergent thinking, and use of multiple strategies. Found children were tuned in to learning due to a sense of ownership and empowerment. (SD)

Documents a case of model-building in biology through microanalysis of one student's interaction with "Science for Living: The Circulatory System (SFL)", an interactive multimedia resource prototype for research. Describes the student's learning goals, gains, and activities with particular attention to interactions with representations,…

This article describes using helium balloons to introduce students to integers and integer arithmetic. (Contains 9 figures.)

This article explores the algebra that can be uncovered in many middle-grades mathematics tasks that, on first inspection, do not appear to be algebraic. It shows connections to the other four Standards that occur in traditional algebra problems, and it offers strategies for modifying activities so that they can be used to foster algebraic…

Mathematical modeling is explored as both problem posing and problem solving from two perspectives, that of the child and the teacher. Mathematical modeling provides rich learning experiences for elementary school children and their teachers.

The paper discusses the results of a research project based on the field testing of a course aimed at developing arithmetic problem solving skills in primary school pupils. The course was designed to incorporate e-learning techniques, including the use of ARI@ITALES authoring tools. These tools allowed the integration in the course of…

In an effort to counteract the violent and negative conflict resolution messages children receive from the mass media, schools throughout the United States are now teaching healthy problem-solving skills on a personal level. This book presents an outlined approach to the implementation of a conflict resolution experiential group, designed to be…

This resource book contains mathematical games, tricks, and quick activities for the classroom. Categories include computation and calculator practice, manipulative challenges, puzzlers, picky puzzlers, patterns, measurement, money, time tricks, calendar quips, crazy computing, and riddles. Twenty-nine games, tricks, and activities are found in…