Ok-Kyeong Kim, Lisa Kasmer
How using students' predictions
purposely in the classroom will promote mathematical reasoning and encourage
discussion about mathematical concepts. Examples are provided where prediction
can be used in algebra and probability. Classroom management strategies are
provided to make using prediction most effective.
Rose Zbiek, Shari Reed, Tracy Boone
Cell phone coverage areas arouse
students' curiosity in a lesson that engages students with area as a measure
that relates to, but is different from, linear measure. Three activities
(stations) are described in detail along with suggestions on introducing the
lesson and closing the lesson with a rich whole class discussion. Activities
include using a "tower tool" to simulate placing a cell phone tower
on a county map for optimal coverage.
Robert Andre, Lynda Wiest
An activity created to practice a
variety of math skills within a sorting network activity. Students are given
cards with numeric values and instructed to physically walk through the
network. If they complete the task correctly, the network sorts them based on
the value of the card. Samples and activity extensions are discussed.
Wallace Judd
This reprinted article from the November 1976 issue of
Arithmetic Teacher
describes a series of calculator games that can be adapted to all levels. Games can be played quickly for skill practice or looked at more in depth for conceptual development and strategy.
Karen Koellner, Faith Wallace
Ways to use advertisements and
solicitations to create real world math problems at various levels. Three
levels of problem types are provided with examples of each. Using this
environmental print requires students to read carefully and make real-life
choices that require complex mathematical thought.
Shannon Overbay, Mary Brod
Four activities that use the Mayan
system of numeration in base 20. Students first learn the notation, then add,
then complete magic squares in the Mayan system. These activities provide
students an opportunity to rethink how we use place value and the importance of
zero in our number system. Activities can be used with a wide range of
abilities and age levels simultaneously since the ideas are new to most people.