http://my.nctm.org/eresources/article_summary.asp?from=B&uri=JRME2003-05-191a "We Want a Statement That Is Always True": Criteria for Good Algebraic Representations and the Development of Modeling Knowledge Andrew Izsák May 2003, Volume 34, Issue 3, Pages 191 - 227 from NCTM.org This article discusses how two eighth grade students used a winch to learn about math. It appeared to help. If I possibly can, I would like to find a device to use in my class to help students in this way. So far, all I do is roller coasters from paper and tape and a marble at the end of the year. http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L641 "Everything Balances Out in the End" By Rhonda Naylor I can't find when this was published to NCTM.org This was less of an article than an activity I suppose. Most math sites are. This one shows how to use a balance pan in order to teach solving the multivariable equations. I can definitely use this. I usually just use algeblocks, but this can help even more. http://www.nctm.org/news/content.aspx?id=12332 What Do Students Struggle with When First Introduced to Algebra Symbols? Brief By Carolyn Kieran Judith Reed, Series Editor Again, I could not find when this was published on NCTM.org This site is helpful in explaining a few ideas that I already knew and stressing the differences between equations and functions, which is the point of multivariable equations. The author suggests using tables and patterns to establish the difference. I plan on re-emphasizing this in the coming weeks.
