Assessed the arithmetical competencies of 105 American and 104 Chinese elementary school students at the beginning and end of the U.S. school year. Results suggest the Chinese advantage in early mathematical development is related to a combination of language- and school-related factors. (MDM)

Consideration of a definite integral in an advanced calculus class led to a great deal of mathematical thinking and to the joy of discovery. Graphing calculators allowed students to investigate quick solutions which should be regarded as stepping stones to additional investigation and rigorous proof. With slight modifications to their proofs,…

This article describes how two young children with moderate/severe mental retardation were taught functional counting skills by helping with a snack delivery activity. Instruction involved a task analysis, use of pictures to represent objects and numbers, self-monitoring to increase student independence, and ongoing evaluation. The importance of…

In revisions due to be implemented in 1994, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will emphasize critical reading skills and mathematical computation more, and test takers will be allowed to use calculators. The College Entrance Examination Board's Achievement Tests will also be overhauled, with new subject tests added and current test format and…

Presents four examples on arithmetic mean and harmonic mean. Provides solution of each of the examples and instructional activities related to the examples. Lists eight references on mathematical problem solving. (YP)

Four activities are described which focus on consumer awareness and judgment using data collection and judgment skills involving data from footwear. Worksheets for data collection and activities at home and at school are included. A set of ratings of sneakers from "Consumer Reports" magazine is provided. (CW)

A model of the phenomenon of the desert mirage is presented using Snell's Law and simple programing techniques. Optical trajectories predicted by the model are illustrated. (CW)

Given are instructions for teaching spreadsheet use for problem solving in mathematics. Examples of relevant problems from algebra through calculus are provided. The advantages of using computer spreadsheets in this application are stressed. (CW)

Described are activities for measuring the human body. The activities include measurements and calculations, calculating volume and density, problems related to body measurement, and using a nomogram. Several charts, illustrations, and a nomogram are provided. (YP)

Investigated was the use of cognitive conflict to probe the misconceptions held by preservice elementary teachers that in a division problem the quotient must be less than the dividend. Explains how preservice teachers' reliance on information about the domain of whole numbers and their instrumental understanding support their misconceptions.…

Presents 3 examples for setting teacher's aims in Japanese and American mathematics classrooms. Provides 10 guidelines for teachers who would like to include more mathematical dialogue and encourage the expression of conceptual splatter in their classrooms. (YP)

Describes a five-dice game, horse. Discusses the offensive player's strategy using the ideas of probability, such as counting outcomes, mutually exclusive events, conditional probabilities, zero sum games, and the use of computer. (YP)

Discusses the calculation of pi by means of experimental methods. Polygon circle ratios, Archimedes' method, Buffon's needles, a Monte Carlo method, and prime number approaches are used. Presents three BASIC programs for the calculations. (YP)

Provides methods of teaching negative number operations, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Presents examples and activities for the operations. (YP)

Describes a process of mathematical investigation involving generalized Fibonacci sequences. Provides the derivation using expressions, BASIC programs, and numerical verification. (YP)