The author alters the definitions of ellipses and hyperbolas by using a line and a point not on the line as the foci, instead of two points. He develops the resulting prototypical diagrams from both synthetic and analytic perspectives, as well as making use of technology.
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Charles F. Marion
The simplest of prekindergarten equations, 1 + 2 = 3, is the basis for an investigation involving much of high school mathematics, including triangular numbers, arithmetic sequences, and algebraic proofs.
George J. Roy, Kristin E. Harbour, Christie Martin, and Matthew Cunningham
Using this strategy, a teacher facilitates a short conversation during which students verbally explain and justify reasoning. We have found that a coordinated series of number talks supports students’ reasoning when comparing fractions.
Jen Munson, Geetha Lakshminarayanan, and Thomas J. Rodney
Off You Go is a PK–12 mathematical routine that leverages children’s home resources and assets to support them in developing conceptual precision. We provide a guide for how to adapt this routine to engage students at any grade in argumentation and attending to precision.
Ruthmae Sears
This article describes how visual representations can help develop students’ reasoning and proof skills.
Molly Rawding and Steve Ingrassia
Problems to Ponder provides 28 varying, classroom-ready mathematics problems that collectively span PK–12, arranged in the order of the grade level. Answers to the problems are available online. Individuals are encouraged to submit a problem or a collection of problems directly to mtlt@nctm.org. If published, the authors of problems will be acknowledged.
Rick Anderson and Peter Wiles
Recognizing the complex nature of students’ geometric reasoning, we present guidelines and suggestions for implementing a Guess My Shape minilesson that focuses students’ attention on properties and attributes of geometric shapes.
Derek A. Williams, Kelly Fulton, Travis Silver, and Alec Nehring
A two-day lesson on taxicab geometry introduces high school students to a unit on proof.
