In this paper, dialogue among a group of adult women with basic adult education is examined. Women read books of mathematics in the context of a "dialogic mathematics gathering" (DMG). There is limited evidence in research on how adults develop their 'numerical understanding'. The objective of this study is to analyze how adults engage…

Crosscutting concepts such as "scale, proportion, and quantity" are recognised by U.S. science standards as a potential vehicle for students to integrate their scientific and mathematical knowledge; yet, U.S. students and adults trail their international peers in scale and measurement estimation. Culturally based knowledge of scale such…

This new addition to Math Solutions "Supporting English Language Learners in Math Class series" offers a wealth of lessons and strategies for modifying grades 6-8 instruction. Section I presents an overview of teaching math to English learners: the research, the challenges, the linguistic demands of a math lesson, and specific strategies and…

A proposal is made for a careful study of the various units of measurement now in use throughout the world, combined with recall of benefits of the number system, in order to develop a new system. Suggested changes are illustrated. (MNS)

The minimum number and type of whole-unit weights needed to balance any object is extended to the situation where weights may be placed on both pans of a balance scale. (DT)

Some techniques are given for relating the English system of liquid measure to base two numeration. (DT)

Several excerpts from Euclid's "Elements" are cited, and their applications to the natural, positive rational, and positive real number systems are discussed. (SD)

An argument is made against the use of the metric system as the sole system of measurement since computers use a hexadecimal system. (MP)

Describes the kinds of computational abilities achieved by a class of 4th grade students who were part of a research program for teaching rational numbers. In this program, students build on intuitive understandings of percents and proportions for the development of overall understanding of the number system and are encouraged to invent their own…

Arguments given against switching to the metric system include: the metric system is foreign; only scientists need the metric system; and who needs systems of measurement, anyway? (MP)

After briefly presenting possible origins for the use of the decimal system for counting and the duodecimal (base twelve) system for many measures, a notational scheme using six positive'' digits and six negative'' digits is presented. Examples and algorithms using this set of digits for operations with whole numbers, fractions, and in…

The teacher's guide for Unit 8 of this SMSG series covers the two chapters on the real number system and on area, volume, and computation. The overall purpose for each of the chapters is described, the prerequisite knowledge needed by students is specified, the mathematical development of each chapter is detailed, behavioral objectives are stated,…

Topics covered in the first chapter of Unit 8 of this SMSG series include square roots, operations with radicals, operations with real numbers, and the structure of the real number system. The second chapter deals with measurement of area (for rectangular regions, other polygons, and circles), volume and surface area, computation involving…

Presents an activity using fractal cards--eye-catching pop-up cards--by applying simple iterative processes to single sheets of paper. This activity incorporates the concepts of measurement, number systems, sequences, series, limits, recursion, iteration, self-similarity, and fractional dimensions. Contains 12 references. (ASK)