Lists five possible reasons for Singapore students' success in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Asks readers to reflect on the implications for mathematics teaching and learning in the United States. (ASK)

Looks at the connection between soccer fields and mathematics to help students understand middle school geometry topics. Presents an activity in which students explore relationships among polygons to discover which combinations tessellate and which combinations form polyhedra. (ASK)

The study of leap year and its development offers an interesting real-world situation for students to exercise qualitative reasoning about operations on decimals. Presents an activity in which students investigate time measurement by studying a variety of calendars, past and present. (ASK)

Discusses experiences using a new mathematics curriculum with sixth grade students for nine weeks. Presents a student's discovery of her power in mathematics through this problem-centered curriculum. (ASK)

Reflects on what it means to be a successful teacher or student in a reform-inspired mathematics classroom. Discusses one teacher's experiences at the beginning and end of her first year of implementing reform in light of her changing views of success. (ASK)

Introduces the whole number machine and describes its use as an odometer in an addition game. Presents an activity in which students learn mathematics while they fly across the globe. (Contains 12 references.) (ASK)

Uses the chicken problem for sixth grade students to scratch the surface of systems of equations using intuitive approaches. Provides students responses to the problem and suggests similar problems for extensions. (ASK)

Introduces mathematical guessing games to teach algebra that motivate students in learning mathematics by stimulating their curiosity and problem-solving abilities. (ASK)

Presents an activity in which attribute blocks help middle school students understand the fundamental counting principle and the multiplication rule. Demonstrates how these materials can aid students in building a conceptual understanding of multiplication and the counting principle. (ASK)

Presents a project that asks students to relate mathematical operations to real-world situations, communicate mathematical concepts in writing, share their ideas with their peers, and exercise their creativity. (ASK)

Discusses ways of counting the population, then and now, thanks to Herman Hollerith, who developed the Hollerith tabulating system using punch cards, punch machines, and tabulating machines. (ASK)

Presents student responses to a problem appearing in the February, 1999 issue about mathematical patterns and number concepts. (ASK)

Illustrates possible uses of concept maps in mathematics classrooms which can show the degree of students' understanding of mathematical concepts and connections. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

Mathematics is much more than a collection of procedures for solving problems. Argues that the primary goal in the mathematics class is to create an awareness of the what, the how, and the why of mathematics. (ASK)

Presents a problem that requires solving a card problem by exploring patterns that will lead to a logical solution. Involves students in developing and analyzing their own algorithms as well as discussing their reasoning with peers. (ASK)