Examines why Chinese undergraduates perform better on an eight-item water-level task (WLT) than do U.S. undergraduates. Results suggest that the combined effect of writing Chinese characters and strong mathematical training in geometry contributes significantly to skills necessary to master the WLT. (MMU)

Presents an activity that integrates biology and mathematics. Involves students in actual biological research and uses geometry, statistics, and computers to interpret data about the leaves of a tree. (ASK)

Examines solution strategies used by elementary preservice teachers to find the perimeter and area of a shaded geometric figure. Investigates inadequacies in the mathematical backgrounds of these students as well as curriculum changes to make in teacher education programs. (Author/CCM)

Presents an activity using fractal cards--eye-catching pop-up cards--by applying simple iterative processes to single sheets of paper. This activity incorporates the concepts of measurement, number systems, sequences, series, limits, recursion, iteration, self-similarity, and fractional dimensions. Contains 12 references. (ASK)

Presents an activity for eighth-grade students and beyond to explore relationships between and among the areas of various polygons. Emphasizes that students should be given the opportunity to design their own examples. (ASK)

Discusses a project focusing on icosahedrons that combines geometry, structure, graphic design, animation, motion, and mechanical and freehand drawing with ancient Greek catapult mechanics. Includes directions on how to both construct a template and develop the pattern for the icosahedrons. (CMK)

Reviews research describing computer functions of construction-oriented computer environments and evaluates their contributions to students' learning of geometry. Topics discussed include constructing geometric concepts; the use of LOGO in elementary school mathematics; software that focuses on geometric construction; and implications for the…

Reviews the evolution of the educational computer software "Geometer's Sketchpad" and its history. The features of the software invite exploration and play and enable users to sense their own role in shaping and crafting their understanding of mathematics. (ASK)

Reports on a case study investigating how secondary preservice mathematics teachers perceive the need for and the benefits of formal proof when given geometric tasks in the context of dynamic geometry software. Results indicate that preservice teachers are concerned that after using dynamic software, high school students will not see the need for…

Presents activities that combine astronomy problems with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, and physics. Provides experiences for students in making distance measurements themselves by using the method of parallax. (ASK)

Describes PC Logo, an instructional tool that can be used for teaching and enhancing a student's knowledge of graphs and geometric concepts. (CCM)

Describes a sixth-grade interdisciplinary geometry unit based on Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol". Focuses on finding area, volume, and perimeter, and working with estimation, decimals, and fractions in the context of making gingerbread houses. (ASK)

Describes an activity in which students use computers and techniques from Op Art to learn various geometric concepts. Allows them to see the distinct connection between art and mathematics from a personal perspective. Reinforces writing, speaking, and drawing skills while creating slide shows related to the project. (ASK)

Explores the role of proof in mathematics education and provides justification for its importance in the curriculum. Discusses three applications of dynamic geometry software--heuristics, exploration, and visualization--as tools in the teaching of proof and as potential challenges to the importance of proof. (Author/MM)

Reports on a long-term teaching experiment carried out in the 9th and 10th grades of a scientific high school as part of a larger research project. Aims to clarify the role of a particular software, Cabri Geometry, in the teaching/learning process. Focuses on the social construction of knowledge. (Author/MM)