An extensive observational project of the movement of the moon is described. Directions for building a cross-staff used to measure the angle between specific stars and the moon and a copy of a stereographic projection of the celestial sphere used in data reduction are provided. (KR)

An activity in which students design and build an apparatus that can be used to rapidly determine the specific gravities of small substances is described. Calculations needed to determine the density of substances when using the Jolly balance are included. (KR)

Describes an attempt to increase business calculus students' desire to learn by overcoming typical low levels of mathematical preparation and motivation utilizing a corporate structure managed by the students. Includes 10 sample problems from fictitious corporations. (JJK)

Presents a problem solving strategy developed by a second grade student that goes beyond modeling an intuitive or informal interpretation of an operation to solve division problems. Concludes that good teaching should build on pupil's existing preinstruction knowledge and recognize a pupil's attempts at creative solutions. (MDH)

Presents a method to enhance the teaching of computer programing to secondary students that establishes a connection between logic, truth tables, switching circuits, gating symbols, flow charts, and pseudocode. The author asserts that the method prepares students for thinking processes related to programing. (MDH)

This article presents a lesson plan for teaching students the third of five steps for solving mathematical problems, "lining up a plan." Steps for teaching students to visualize the problem and draw a picture of the problem are given. (DB)

Activities that illustrate a problem-solving approach to teaching grouping symbols, such as parentheses and brackets, are described. Suggested exercises, answers to those exercises, and variations of this activity are included. (KR)

Presented are 44 examples in which students are invited to guess what pattern of numbers is emerging and to decide whether the pattern will persist. Topics of examples include Pascal's triangle, integers, vertices, Fibonacci numbers, power series, partition functions, and Euler's theorem. The answers to all problems are included. (KR)

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

An approach that may be used to introduce the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics using a mathematical background with the knowledge of the behavior of matter is described. The physical background, conservation of energy, predicting the behavior of a system, and solving problems are topics of discussion. (KR)

The efficacy of problem-centered as compared to an orthodox deductive approach to second-language instruction in Japanese schools is evaluated. Results suggest that both approaches enable students to understand grammatical rules, but the time-consuming problem-solving procedure limits practice and results in a lack of oral proficiency. (55…

Uses a blackboard eraser to illustrate solutions to three problems commonly posed to students. The problems are determining (1) the frictional force acting on a stationary body; (2) the maximum acceleration a truck can have without sliding a tray of eggs sitting on the truck bed; and (3) the distance a horizontally thrown object will travel. (MDH)

Describes a method of fostering decision-making skills among students by employing the computer as a way of promoting small group discussion. Provides data from original research designed to measure the effectiveness of the techniques. Finds that adolescents can engage in decision making and discussion that involves higher order thinking. (HB)

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)

Activities that show students a practical use for chemistry using common items such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and household products as sources of chemical compounds are presented. The importance of having adequate resource materials available for students is emphasized. (KR)