This study addressed predictors of the development of word problem solving (WPS) across the intermediate grades. At beginning of 3rd grade, 4 cohorts of students (N = 261) were measured on computation, language, nonverbal reasoning skills, and attentive behavior and were assessed 4 times from beginning of 3rd through end of 5th grade on 2 measures…

Describes a supplementary method for teaching equivalent fractions through the use of a multiplication matrix, providing a simple visual and concrete activity that aids learners in understanding this difficult concept. (SR)

A teacher describes how a cardboard box tunnel was used to capitalize on children's fascination with boxes. The finished tunnel offers opportunities for honing math and writing skills. Layouts for tunnels and related activities are suggested. (MT)

Describes some square-number patterns that fourth-grade students and their teacher discovered. These discoveries began as students pushed wooden cubes together to make square arrangements. (JN)

Describes an activity in which students deal a deck of cards to 5, then 4, then 3, then 2 players; note the number of cards left over each time; and from this information determine the number of cards in the deck. (MKR)

Studied the social and cognitive activity that occurred when students were introduced to philosophical dialogue about mathematics in a class of 30 fifth graders. Changes in students' discussions showed that the dialogue evolved from monological exchanges to dialogical exchanges, but data also suggest that if philosophical dialogue is to develop,…

Many teachers bring caterpillars into their class for their students to see the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. This is exciting and educational, but more can be done using Monarchs across the curriculum. This article describes an integrated butterfly unit for students in grades four to six that starts with identifying the Monarch…

The purpose of this study was to provide teachers and principals with concrete evidence to demonstrate that weekly math homework increases academic performance in math. This study focused mainly on homework's effects on quiz scores. It compared quiz scores of students who did homework with those who did not. The subjects of this study included 21…

Discusses a unit integrating science, mathematics, and environmental education centered around "The Great Kapok Tree," by Lynne Cherry (1990). Ratios are used to make scale drawings of trees in a rain forest. Other activities include a terrarium and problem-solving activities based on eating habits of rain forest animals. (KMC)

Describes the use of dialogue journal writing in intermediate grade mathematics classrooms as a way to gain insights into students' thinking. Notes that teachers and students became a community of learners. (RS)

The purpose of this study was to document and trace how students' understanding of situations that involve finding a fractional part of a fraction developed during a course of instruction in which students explored and represented various kinds of situations using each of the five representational systems. A class of 5th grade students (n=22)…

Forty-six intermediate and junior high students with disabilities (learning, emotional disturbance, mental retardation) participated in a noncompetitive Math Olympics. Teams of students participated in game-like activities involving basic skills, calculators, problem solving, and place value. Guidelines for planning a Math Olympics focus on…

Discusses Hugh Mehan's "Learning Lessons" in the development of the naturalistic study of classroom discourse studies and considers the emergence of an alternative program for classroom discourse studies in critical discourse analysis. Critiques some studies of classroom discourse and analyzes a fourth-grade lesson on fractions to show how the…

This presents several classroom activities that have been adapted from the Expedition Yellowstone program activities for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Language arts, science, math, and social studies activities are presented. Expedition Yellowstone activities focus on the geology, ecology, animal life, and history of Yellowstone Park. (IAH)

Applied drill and practice intervention in small-group (n=5) setting to improve fifth-grade students' fluency with basic mathematics facts. Cover, Copy, and Compare intervention was modified and implemented with Chapter I mathematics class. Results provide practitioners with ideas about implementing group interventions using drill for mathematics…