The fundamentals of algebra and algebraic thinking should be a part of the background of all citizens in society. The vast increase in the use of technology requires that school mathematics ensure the teaching of algebraic thinking as well as its use at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Algebra is a universal theme that runs through…

Explains how number work in elementary school can be extended to prepare students for algebra. Suggests some practical strategies that focus on five aspects of number knowledge essential for algebra learning. (ASK)

Presents suggestions for developing algebraic concepts beginning in the early grades to develop a gradual building from informal to formal algebraic concepts that progresses over the K-12 curriculum. Includes suggestions for representing relationships, solving equations, employing meaningful applications of algebra, and using of technology. (MDH)

The ability to use algebra in describing and analyzing real-world situations is becoming a basic skill for all students. The main focus of this book is on patterns, functions, and relationships. Information and ideas on how algebraic thinking can be developed in the years leading to a formal algebra course are included. K-8 teachers are offered a…

Explored the variables that affect enrollment in eighth-grade algebra for African-American students. Studied constructs that fell into three broad categories: individual characteristics, home/parent variables, and school-related variables. Assessed data from the base-year student and parent data files of the National Education Longitudinal Study…

Discusses police officers' use of mathematics when reconstructing an accident scene; and the history of algebra, including al-Khwarizmi's works on the theory of equations, the Rhind Papyrus, a Chinese and an Indian manuscript on systems of linear and quadratic equations, and Diophantus'"syncopated algebra." (10 references) (EK)

This paper suggests a route to deep, long-term algebra reform that begins not with more new approaches but with elementary school teachers and the reform efforts that currently exist. This route involves generalization and expression of that generality using increasingly formal languages, beginning with arithmetic, modeling situations, geometry,…

"In Brief" focuses on K-12 mathematics and science research and implications for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to improve student learning and achievement This brief highlights the learning gains of 240 elementary students involved in a long-term study in Madison, Wisconsin and their remarkable ability to reason with arithmetic…

Describes a teacher's experiences in a classroom where mathematics problems are presented in the context of aliens and other galaxies. (ASK)

Presents activities that introduce mathematics to primary and intermediate level elementary students. At the primary level, students read a story about fresh cookies that must be divided and shared. At the intermediate level, instructions are provided for a game that introduces elementary algebra. (SM)

This teaching unit is designed to help students in grades 4-8 explore the concepts of algebra in the context of exploring the universe. The units in this series have been developed to enhance and enrich mathematics, science, and technology education and to accommodate different teaching and learning styles. Each unit consists of a storyline…

Discusses the concept of equality, which is a crucial idea for developing algebraic reasoning in young children. Explores young children's understanding and misconceptions about the "equals" sign, and relates the experiences one teacher had helping children better understand the sign. (ASK)

This course of study guide is designed to help teachers establish a continuity within the scope and sequence of their elementary school mathematics curriculum and to assist those teachers in formulating some realistic goals for themselves and their students. This guide delineates content requirements needed to satisfy K-8 proficiency expectations…

Instructional strategies are presented that illustrate ways of developing students' understanding of nonnumerical notation that are compatible with a constructivist stance. The concepts of using letters to represent a range of values and those used to represent unknowns are discussed. (KR)

This study investigated questions asked during tutoring by 27 college students about research methods and by 13 seventh graders about algebra. Student achievement was positively correlated with the quality of questions after students had some experience and training in tutoring, but the frequency of questions was not. (SLD)