A sample of a geometry word puzzle is presented as an enrichment and learning activity that has been used successfully in a mathematics classroom. (MP)

Proposes lotto games as a source of problems and exercises for classroom activities as well as applications of basic probability concepts in a practical setting which leads to a greater understanding of the remote chance anyone has of winning a lottery game. (KHR)

Describes a simulation using dice-tossing students in a population cluster to model the growth of cancer cells. This growth is recorded in a scatterplot and compared to an exponential function graph. (KHR)

Presented is a game using different types of dominoes that represents growth of seeds from the beginning of the universe. Included are diagrams of the types of seeds, instructions, and examples of the game play. (KR)

Illustrated are three proofs of the Pythagorean theorem. Information for instruction is provided. (YP)

Described are plans for the construction of seven three-dimensional puzzle pieces from wooden cubes. Provides examples of figures and lists 10 references. (YP)

Reviewed are 15 studies on cognitive style and problem solving in science education. The effects of problem context, problem type, and three kinds of cognitive style on subjects' abilities to encounter and solve problems are investigated. Three protocols of the subjects' encountering activities are provided. (YP)

Explains how school library media specialists can create and use crostic puzzles to help sixth graders learn references skills. Teaching basic reference skills and research skills is discussed with emphasis on index skills, and three sample crostic puzzles (with answers) are provided. (LRW)

Explores how teachers can support English-language learners in learning mathematics. Uses discourse perspective to analyze participation in mathematical discussions. Examines a lesson from a third-grade mathematics discussion of the geometric shapes of a tangram puzzle. Contains 20 references. (ASK)

Parents' attributions of the jigsaw-puzzle performance of their child with Prader-Willi syndrome (n = 20) or Williams syndrome (n = 21) were examined. Parents in both groups placed more importance on internal versus external attributions. Parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome exhibited a hedonic bias by attributing their child's success…

This article discusses three solutions to the "Tower of Hanoi" problem offered by students in a mathematics content course for prospective elementary school teachers. The course uses standards-based pedagogy and teaching via problem solving. Within this work, we consider the growth supported by collaboration at both the students' level…

This theme issue explores the changes in Iowa's environment. When Native Americans lived in Iowa hundreds of years ago, the land was rich in tall grasslands, fertile soil, wildlife, wetlands, and unpolluted waters. When European-American pioneers settled Iowa in 1833, they changed the environment in order to survive. The first article in this…

This booklet is a collection of 45 problems that have appeared in the Problem Department of the journal "School Science and Mathematics." The booklet is divided into four parts. The first part presents 20 cryptarithms, puzzles in which letters or symbols are substituted for the digits in an arithmetical calculation, that require knowledge of…

An intermediate-level general music unit provides introductory lessons for the autoharp, guitar, and recorder. In the autoharp unit, chording is approached by first using a one-chord song and proceeding to three-chord songs. The guitar unit introduces chord symbols and tablatures and helps students gain familiarity with the parts of the…

Enrichment activities for fourth-grade mathematics are presented. Some of the activities reinforce principles taught in the regular program; others introduce new concepts to challenge students. The activities are divided into the following categories: number pictures; multiplying or dividing by 10, 100, or 1000; tic-tac-toe word problems; map…