After studying the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and brain-based learning research, James Olsen believes mental math instruction in secondary school mathematics (grades 7-12) and in teacher education programs needs increased attention. The purpose of this article is to share some keys for teaching mental math. Olsen also…

Discusses the importance of mental mathematics beyond the middle school. Presents sample objectives for different courses or strands, and teaching ideas to make mental mathematics an important, ongoing goal in secondary mathematics instruction and beyond. (KHR)

Presents a technique for multiplying two-digit numbers whose tens digits are equal and whose units digits have a sum of 10. Then various mental calculations with other types of two-digit and larger numbers are discussed. (MNS)

Included in this section are brief articles outlining an approach to teaching mental computation, an inductive approach to algebra, and using football to teach probability. (MNS)

Example of magic tricks that can be used as an integral part of various lessons in arithmetic and algebra are given. Their mathematical basis is also discussed. (MNS)

Presents activities to visually explore the algebraic concepts of variable, constant, the distributive property, and combining like terms. Presents four transparencies that use visual models to understand exercises in students perform the same mental calculations on a number of their choice and obtain the same result. (MDH)