Describes a chemistry course with the goal of fostering a broader and deeper understanding of a few fundamental concepts through group discussion, instructor exposition, and participant-developed laboratory and demonstration activities. (DDR)

Proposes three thought experiments on various contexts of teaching mathematics. The experiments are intended to raise questions about the mathematics curriculum and to engage discussion about what topics should have high priority in arithmetic teaching. (DDR)

Describes a method that students can use to build portable planetariums. After building the models, students are familiar with the names of constellations and major stars and are able to share their projects with other students. (DDR)

Recent research has documented the variety of memory strategies children have in their repertoires at different ages and with different degrees of task experience. Of growing importance is understanding the processes by which children choose among available approaches. Evidence suggests that sociocultural influences shape individual repertoires of…

Discusses circuits for three-bit and four-bit analogue digital converters and digital analogue converters. These circuits feature slow operating speeds that enable the circuitry to be used to demonstrate the mode of operation using oscilloscopes and signal generators. (DDR)

The president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) examines the definition of basic mathematics skills. One basic skill is understanding formulas that are used in real life. Recommends that educators use the message of NCTM's standards to make choices that will reinvent mathematics education. Challenges teachers to teach…

Current educational philosophy places strong emphasis on student portfolios. One way to develop a pool of items for potential inclusion in the mathematics portfolio is to have students keep a working portfolio in the form of a notebook. The notebook builds a base from which students can expand existing knowledge and develop higher-level thinking…

A word problem concerning weights of a pail containing different amounts of nails appeared in January 1997 issue of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. Teachers were invited to try the problem with classes and submit examples of students' work with a brief analysis. This article contains three student solutions. Argues that posing such…

Describes a project that allows students to derive fractions with varying denominators, estimate that fractional representation in a pie chart as a piece of the whole, and add their various fractions to find the sum equal to one whole. Includes samples of student work. (DDR)

Describes one day of a week-long Math Options Summer Institute, the third component in a series that offers career awareness experiences to young women throughout their middle and high school years. Mentors young women in pursuing careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology education. (DDR)

Tests the hypothesis that students learn best when teachers use strategies consistent with students' temperament-based learning style. Analysis of 417 seventh graders did not support the hypothesis--student achievement was significantly higher when instructional strategies that were designed to promote personalized learning were used. Implications…

Describes several exemplars of software that emulate and incorporate machine-supported aspects of cognitive apprenticeships in science and mathematics. Concludes with an evaluation of software against cognitively guided principles and with a summary of the difficulties associated with creating and implementing machine-supported apprenticeships.…

Presents activities on persistence of vision that involve students in a hands-on approach to the study of early methods of creating motion pictures. Students construct flip books, a Zoetrope, and an early movie machine. (DDR)

Discusses misconceptions about constructivism by identifying related myths such as students should always be actively and reflectively constructing, manipulatives make learners active, and cooperative learning is constructivist. One central goal of constructivism should be that students become autonomous and self-motivated in their learning.…

Explores specific characteristics of insecure-avoidant, secure, and insecure-ambivalent mother-infant dyads (N=82) in the context of sharing a picturebook. Results support the view that early literacy skills are connected to a fundamentally social process. The learning/instruction process depends on the affective dimension of the infant-mother…