The purpose of this study was to conduct a replication study of a kindergarten mathematics intervention, ROOTS, delivered within the context of a research base core program. In the study, sixty two classrooms were randomly assigned to treatment (ROOTS) or a business as usual control. All classrooms implemented a research based core program (Early…

To efficiently solve mathematical expressions and equations, students need to notice the systemic structure of mathematical expressions (e.g., inverse relation between 3 and 3 in 3 + 5 - 3). We examined how symbols--specifically variables versus numbers--and students' algebraic knowledge impacted seventh graders' problem-solving strategies and use…

In the present study, we evaluated the number of attempts required to master specific subskills for working with whole and rational numbers among students at risk for math difficulties. Participants included a subset of students in grades four through eight receiving supplemental math support. Mastery--defined as 85% correct on short tests--was…

This article examined the impact of a math-intensive summer academy for rising kindergartners (N = 17) enrolled in an elementary school with low socioeconomic populations. The program was designed to support student understanding of early number concepts. The research plan included the administration of the Texas Early Mathematics Inventory:…

We have observed that over 90% of our students, both undergraduate and graduate, know little about the existence and multiplicity of real roots of real numbers; for example the fifth root of -2. Most of those who may know the answers are unable to give a logical explanation of the validity of their answers.

Theon's ladder is an ancient method for easily approximating "n"th roots of a real number "k." Previous work in this area has focused on modifying Theon's ladder to approximate roots of quadratic polynomials. We extend this work using techniques from linear algebra. We will show that a ladder associated to the quadratic…

This chapter describes instances of play within a teaching episode on integer addition and subtraction. Specifically, this chapter makes the theoretical distinction between integer play and playing with integers. Describing instances of integer play and playing with integers is important for facilitating this type of intellectual play in the…

An instructional approach is presented for teaching the mole concept to high school introductory-level chemistry classes. Extensions to the strategy are presented for more advanced classes. The strength of the approach is based upon discovery. Students discover the Avogadro number and the mole concept. The discovery is based upon calculations that…

Place value concept that learns especially in primary school ages is also the basis of many issues students will encounter throughout their learning lives. This research aims to developmentally determine understanding of the place value concept in early childhood. The model of research is a case study from qualitative research methods. The study…

We offer this synthesized framework as a tool to reveal mathematical activity in a non-formal makerspace. In particular, we connect research at different grain sizes to illustrate and explain how mathematics plays a crucial, if often implicit, role in this activity. We begin with describing the Approximate Number System and the Ratio-Processing…

This study aims to explore seventh-grade students' understanding of negative integers as they engaged in mathematics history integrated model-eliciting activities in small groups. For this educational case study, we designed model-eliciting activities based on six design principles of the models-and-modeling perspective that incorporated history…

The purpose of this qualitative, single-case study was to examine teachers' perceptions of using guided notes to improve the proficiency rate of middle-grade students in mathematics number systems. This study was conducted in one school system in North Carolina where students were failing to meet the state standards for mathematics achievement at…

This article describes Ulrich Kortenkamp's Place Value Chart app and the accompanying teacher guide developed by the members of an international research team led by regular contributor Kevin Larkin.

The empirical law of large numbers is an important content in secondary school mathematics. Tasks used to analyze students' understanding of this law are often based on the hospital problem, but vary in various features, leading to mixed and conflicting empirical results. To identify task features that support students when approaching this type…

A striking characteristic of human thought is that we form representations about abstract kinds (Giraffes have purple tongues), despite experiencing only particular individuals (This giraffe has a purple tongue). These generic generalizations have been hypothesized to be a cognitive default, that is, more basic and automatic than other forms of…