Proposes a mathematical way of thinking about how well a rolling object moves. Describes classroom activities that were carried out to measure and evaluate models of rolling objects. In theory, the activities lead immediately to the theory of convex sets. Also includes discussion on Reuleaux rollers. (AIM)

Many have tried to define the concept of visual literacy (VL), but so far there is no consensus. Reviews the literature to develop a definition of VL and explores the parameters of VL, the movement and its aims, its educational significance, and the potential benefits of teaching VL. (PEN)

Shows how attention to transcending functions provides a new integrative approach to mathematics that can improve the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for addressing large-scale problems. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Discusses the value of introducing students to problems that lend themselves to long-term, in-depth analysis at different levels of intellectual accomplishment. Focuses on one such problem in detail. (DDR)

Presents an activity that begins with a discussion that leads into the rationale behind the techniques used in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program. Students decode a message intended for extraterrestrials and consider a number of topics related to the possible existence of extraterrestrials. (DDR)

Describes a study which concluded that, to restructure the mathematics curriculum, modification of existing teaching practices is required. Recommends that practices be modified to enable students to construct effective knowledge bases and become active learners. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Argues that Bartsch and Wellman are successful in analyzing natural language to understand the emergence and development of a theory of mind in everyday social interaction. Discusses their delineation of the transition from a focus on desire to a concept of belief, and describes their views on contextual and cultural variables in theory of mind…

Interviewed 70 children learning multidigit addition and subtraction in 2 different learning environments. Found that understanding and skill were closely related for tasks in which students had received no instruction and on more difficult tasks even after instruction. The alternative instruction, which encouraged students to develop their own…

Compared children's concept of illness with that of adults. Results suggested that both causes and symptoms of affected adults' categorization of illness, with neither type of feature being definitive. Children's ascriptions of illness generally matched adults' but were highly correlated with judgments of illness. Children also viewed illness as a…

Five experiments investigated whether children, ages three to eight, think of pretending as a mental state. Results indicated that most children under six see pretending as primarily physical. Eight-year-olds claimed that execution of pretense did not involve the mind, although the planning aspect of pretense did. (MOK)

Considers the effects of an Integrated Learning System (ILS) on the mathematics test scores of elementary school children. Results indicate that ILS software had its greatest effect on mathematics concepts scores, which is contrary to the commonly held opinion that mathematics software is effective primarily in drill and practice of computational…

Reports on part of a study that was conducted with individual students (n=5) and five groups of students who worked together in the first course of experimental calculus classes. The goal of the study was to discover how the concept of inverse function can be learned. (26 references) (DDR)

Examines the concepts of "symptom" and "diagnosis" from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on elements from cognitive linguistics, clinical decision-making research, and conversation analysis. Specific focus is on how prototype theory and the notion of fuzziness can enhance the understanding of these concepts. (29 references) (Author/CK)

Examines the relationship between mathematical knowledge and social practices of the Renaissance. Suggests that all efforts to understand the conceptual reality and the production of knowledge cannot restrict themselves to language and the discursive activity, but that they also need to include the social practices that underlie them. (Author/KHR)

Reports on science-specialist student teachers' conceptions about science and technology and corresponding priorities for school science. Students' conceptions were measured after interacting with a case documentary that depicted students collaborating in the development and evaluation of pneumatic-controlled robotic arms. Indicates that many…