The role of negative instances in the acquisition of the mathematical concepts of commutativity and associativity of a binary operation was examined. Two levels of instruction (positive instances, and positive and negative instances) for commutativity and for associativity were crossed to form a 2 x 2 factorial design with 16 ninth grade subjects…

This booklet includes short descriptions of the history of the calendar, Napier's Bones, and the beginnings of algebra. The remaining two stories discuss the number nine raised to the ninth power of nine, and repeating decimals. (DT)

Details of arithmetic topics proposed for inclusion in a modern elementary mathematics program and a rationale for the selection of these topics are given. The sequencing of the topics is discussed. (Author/DT)

These three pamphlets by the Department of Education in Victoria, Australia, provide an overview of the elementary mathematics curriculum which is described in greater detail in SE 012 723 to 729. The aims and philosophy, and the content and structure of the course are outlined, and methods of classroom organization to allow for individual…

This is a set of 8 x 11-inch cards containing ideas for manipulative materials, generally inexpensive household items, for use in the elementary classroom. The cards are tab-indexed into seven categories: sets (which is subdivided into set recognition and set operations), number-numerals, geometry, measurement, probability, number theory, and…

This paper summarizes the developmental activities in mathematics conducted at the first grade level. Two instructional units of "Developing Mathematical Processes" were taught. The instructional units are described through a description of the activities that were tried, an explanation of evaluation procedures, and a report of the results of each…

The arithmetic portion of the Developing Mathematical Processes (DMP) program, as it applies to children of ages 5 to 8, is described in some detail. The terminal objective of the number program of the primary segment of DMP is the ability of the child to correctly write, read and validate mathematical sentences of the form A = B plus or minus X.…

Two methods of adding columns of single digits were compared in terms of the speed and accuracy with which sums are produced. The direct method (successive addition) was found to be better than the method of looking for combinations which sum to ten. (SD)

An activity similar to magic squares is described. (SD)

A case is made for a comprehensive curriculum that includes strong competencies with not only number ideas and computation, but also with other mathematical topics such as geometry, statistics, probability, and estimation. (MP)

The objective of this activity is to provide a calculator experience developing and reinforcing the concept of order of operations. Three worksheets are provided that are suitable for reproduction for classroom use. Teacher instructions and answers are provided. (MP)

This discussion of the mathematical potential of classroom events gives many examples of incidents that can be used for learning about topics such as one-to-one correspondence, counting, sets, ordering, time, fractions, money, shape, estimation, measuring, volume, area, number operations, and graphs. (MP)

The concept of prime factorization is discussed and two rules are developed: one for finding the number of divisors of a number and the other for finding the sum of the divisors. (MP)

Math can be basic and motivational at the same time. Help your students discover numbers and enjoy them. (Editor)

A method is discussed for learning the multiplication tables that avoid repeating tables everyday or memorizing a large body of facts at the same time. (MN)