Presents three methods invented by fourth graders for obtaining the arithmetic mean. This presentation is in support of the idea that encouraging children to invent their own mathematical processes is a good way for them to clarify the idea of representativeness and consequently the teacher can facilitate the students' construction of higher…

Discusses the historical and cultural background of magic squares. (KHR)

Describes kindergarten teachers' discussions revolving around the strong statement about what children know before they enter kindergarten, the focus on the number strand, the importance of communication in mathematics and the unique communication issues pertaining to young children, and the necessity of offering appropriate support for parents of…

Describes a number line activity based on students' individual timelines to help students understand the concepts of integers and rational numbers. Middle school students and their parents construct a number line using positive and negative rational numbers to represent dates of events before and after the student's birth. (KHR)

Introduces the Fibonacci sequence using examples from nature. Describes some fascinating mathematical patterns using multiples and GCFs that exist among these numbers. (KHR)

Evaluates the National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) as a successful framework for promoting confidence and competence with numbers and measures, an understanding of the number system, a repertoire of computational skills, and the ability to solve number problems in a variety of school contexts. Suggests taking steps to change children's mathematical…

Discusses multiple symbols for zero and the long-count system which were used by the Maya. (KHR)

Discusses the Tiles and Sides problem from the December 2000 issue. Indicates that this problem is accessible to students at different grade levels. Presents samples of student responses and their teachers' analysis. (KHR)

Compares the effects of a part-part-whole curriculum for teaching the concept of number in the kindergarten to the effects of the standard curriculum. Describes the curriculum and instruction used. Overall, the treatment curriculum was successful in aiding development of basic number concepts. (YP)

Mathematical methods are used to study certain related Logo procedures in detail. Simple procedures with known properties are then used to build the higher-level procedures which correspond to higher-level mathematical concepts. Examples are from introductory aspects of number theory. (MNS)

Data from (n=4) students in grades three through six showed a consistent parallel between the types of units constructed in a geometric setting with those in a numeric context. Students who constructed abstract composite units in tiling the plane also did so in adding and subtracting whole numbers. (Author/MKR)

This article proposes use of a restructured hundreds chart that involves a right-to-left sequence of numbers (similar to the direction of computations) and inclusion of zero. Specific instructional activities using the restructured chart are suggested for teaching such skills as counting, number identification, numerical relationships, place…

Strategies for rapid mental computation are explained, including multiplying by 11 (or 21, 31, etc.); adding columns of numbers; and multiplying 2-digit numbers. Rapid mental computation is suggested as a motivator for investigating the underlying mathematical principles. (DB)

Assesses the competence of children (N=215) between the ages of 5 and 9 at addition by asking them to estimate the answers to addition sums. Reports that children at higher levels tend to produce more reasonable estimates than children at lower levels. Discusses the existence and nature of a zone of partial knowledge and understanding. Contains 31…

Presents an activity that integrates music, dance, and mathematics. (ASK)