Contains activities for grades 1 through 8 to develop skills in estimation. Designed to help students deal with numbers sensibly and acquire problem solving competency, the estimation activities involve measurement, telling time, computation, and problem solving. (PK)

First, fourth, seventh, and tenth graders were timed when solving simple and complex addition problems, then were presented similar problems in untimed interviews. Manipulation of confusion between addition and multiplication, where multiplication answers were given to addition problems (3 + 4 = 12) indicated an interrelatedness of these…

This information brief examines four factors contributing to Florida's overall high graduation rates in public four-year institutions: (1) Graduation rates for the largest race/ethnic groups were higher than for the nation as a whole; (2) The gaps between racial/ethnic groups were smaller than in the nation as a whole; (3) Florida's largest…

The focus of this study was to investigate mental computation conceptual frameworks that Heirdsfield (2001c) formulated to explain the difference between proficient (accurate and flexible) mental computers and accurate (but not flexible) mental computers. A further aim was to explore the potential for students' developing efficient mental…

This study investigated the nature of spatial ability, as measured by four instruments based on spatial orientation and visualization, and its relationship to the mathematical performance of elementary school pupils. Participating in the study were 127 elementary school students, 72 boys and 55 girls, ages 10 to 11 years. Spatial ability was…

This collection of eight lesson plans is designed to assist teachers in providing mathematics instruction to elementary and secondary education students with different types of disabilities. The lessons use tactics for teaching mathematics content derived from Lovitt (1995), who summarized techniques found to be effective in increasing the…

When looking at the relationship between individual earnings and schooling, there are potential sources of bias which arise due to individual education choices; individuals of higher unobserved ability or with higher unobserved payoffs from schooling may for instance invest more in education. This paper reviews alternative models and estimation…

Math teaching involves more development of computational skills than problem solving and concept analysis. Presented are four areas to consider in attacking the problem. (MD)

The controversy over what should be included in the mathematics curriculum is analyzed. Positions of the National Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (NACOME), the National Institute of Education (NIE), and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) are outlined. The NCSM list of basic mathematics skill areas is presented.…

A study compared the effects of microcomputer-based software and hand-held calculators on the statistics achievement of 50 graduate students. Results showed no significant difference between computer and calculator groups or between genders but did show an interaction effect. Males using microcomputers outperformed 82% of females using…

Addresses how the early childhood educator can develop mathematical concepts in the context of goals and standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and simultaneously enhance literacy development. Includes suggestions for daily story time using children's books with strong mathematics and science connections, and for teaching…

Demonstrates the consequences of teaching rules without understanding using examples from two 3rd grade children. Suggests alternative instructional strategies. (KHR)

Errors found in a common physics experiment to measure acceleration resulting from gravity using a linear air track are investigated. Glider position at release and initial velocity are shown to be sources of systematic error. (CW)

Described are several spreadsheet templates which use the functions of iteration and logical look-up which allow students to calculate and graph quantum mechanical functions and to simulate rotational and vibrational energy level and spectra. The templates are listed in the appendix. (KR)