This assessment sample provides information on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) for grade 8 mathematics. The sample consists of three items taken from the test booklet and scoring guides for the three items. The items assess number theory, data analysis, probability and statistics, and patterns and relationships. (MM)

Over the past five years, Pesek (Simoneaux), Gray and Golding have been actively involved in the Louisiana Systemic Initiative Program (LaSIP) and the Louisiana Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers (LACEPT) grants through Southeastern Louisiana University. Through these grants teachers from the region are inserviced on…

Discussed is development of a manipulative system which used dots on numerials for teaching basic mathematical concepts to mentally or variously handicapped children in kindergarten through grade 2. (MC)

Topics discussed in this column include patterns of inverse multipliers in modular arithmetic; diagrams for product sets, set intersection, and set union; function notation; patterns in the number of partitions of positive integers; and tessellations. (DT)

The relation of CA, MA, and IQ to conservation was examined by comparing the performance of bright, normal, and retarded children matched on the critical MA of six years. (Author)

Describes three classroom games for elementary school mathematics. Two are geoboard activities using a coordinate system; the third combines a knowledge of number facts with a game of tag. (RS)

Use of sign language for numerals is used to teach basic facts. Counting is first described, followed by sections on addition and subtraction facts and on reinforcing activities. (MNS)

Results from testing long division with students from age 11 to Continuing Education were traced. A much higher percentage of wrong answers was given when there was an embedded zero in the answer. (MNS)

Discusses the role of computer assisted instruction in helping children develop such basic skills as handwriting, reading, and understanding elementary numerical and spatial concepts. Indicates that techniques based on computer assisted instruction will aid children in academic and social development. (Author/JN)

Enrichment activities that teach about geometry as they instruct in geometry are given for some significant topics. The facets of geometry included are tessellations, round robin tournaments, geometric theorems on triangles, and connections between geometry and complex numbers. (MNS)

The design of a computer program to efficiently generate prime numbers is discussed. Programs for many different brands of home computers are listed, with suggestions of ways the programs can be speeded up. It is noted everyone seems to have a favorite program, but that every program can be improved. (MP)

Some activities involving distances and diameters in the solar system are discussed. (MP)

Six versions of the card game "Concentration" are described using cards from a teacher-made deck. (MP)

Two teaching ideas that focus on baseball are presented with a poster provided for each. The first activity features baseball applications of addition, subtraction, and number concepts. The second uses a baseball setting with logic-oriented problems. (MP)