A brief outline of instruction for one unit of informal geometry is covered. The problem solving unit described involves work with picture frames and includes many mathematical concepts. (MP)

Data from some geometric exercises administered during the 1977-78 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are analyzed, and suggestions for correcting student deficiencies are presented. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

The use of solid cardboard geometric shapes as molds to make candles is presented as a possible mathematics enrichment activity. (MP)

This article suggests: ways to teach algebraic properties; a way to prove the Pythagorean Theorem using transformational geometry; a method of packaging and carrying AC-powered calculators; and a method for teaching standard formulas. (MK)

Mnemonic devices to aid in the teaching of perimeter and circumference are suggested. (MK)

Details are given about some activities designed to help students convey three-dimensional objects into two-dimensional representations by constructing and drawing buildings of blocks. (MP)

Beginning with a set of design cards and a rectangular grid, students can generate interesting and colorful designs using rotations, reflections, and translations. (SD)

Describes how students in a 10th-grade geometry class discovered relationships that led to the development of conjectures, theorems, and directions of proofs regarding the centroid of a triangle. (ASK)

Presents an activity on the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a five-pointed star by using The Geometer's Sketchpad. (ASK)

Explores cognitive operations such as coordination, integration, and structuring as manifested in a spatial context. Relates spatial thinking to enumeration strategies. Interviews with 45 third graders and 78 fifth graders suggest that students initially see arrays of cubes as uncoordinated sets of faces, later as space-filling structures. (FDR)

This study examined gender-related issues in four Canadian and Asian education systems based on algebra and geometry achievement data. Results suggested that each system affected the academic achievement of males and females in similar ways, although one gender might be affected more seriously than the other. (SM)

Describes how a software package that includes a spreadsheet, a relation grapher, and a dynamic geometry can contribute to teacher training through an exploratory problem-solving course. Discusses the ways in which technology-rich environments enhance and extend traditional topics. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Examines existing research literature which suggests that introducing computing tools can help students focus on the relevant aspects of a problem, function at higher levels of geometric understanding, distinguish between drawings and constructions, and develop and reason about conjectures on the basis of generalization of patterns. (KHR)

Presents materials and methods that maintain student interest and encourage them to think creatively, develop mathematical reasoning, and look at problems from different perspectives, all within an open-ended approach to problem solving. Includes questions for discussion. (KHR)

Describes the angles-of-a-star problem designed to find the sums of the measures of the angles at the vertices of a five-pointed star. Shows that a good problem may have many correct solutions. (KHR)