12 – Help for Students in Mental Math

Eric Nelson 35 Comments

Do your students know their “arithmetic facts” perfectly, without hesitation? Is it important that they do?

In our text Calculations In Chemistry, we included a review of math and algebra fundamentals — just before they were needed for chemistry topics. Working initially with students in engineering chemistry, compared to past semesters, success was pretty spectacular. But in subsequent experiments with “mostly bio-major” general chem and “prep for general chem,” though averages improved notably, more students struggled with quantitative problems than we thought should.

Our diagnostic testing found that strugglers tended to have trouble doing simple math “in their heads.”  Searching the academic literature, we found:

  • In chemistry education journals, others had observed a high correlation between “mental math” skills and general chemistry achievement.
  • Cognitive science emphasized:  Quantitative reasoning depends on  quick, automatic recall of math facts.
  • Math education journals noted that about 10 years ago, when current chemistry students were in 3rd grade, “math standards” in about 40 states required teachers to prepare students to use calculators on 3rd grade state math tests. As a result, many students had essentially never been required to “memorize their math facts.”

For students lacking math automaticity, cognitive research suggested that strengthening mental math would help more students succeed in courses in the quantitative sciences.

To assess and sharpen mental math at the start of chemistry:

  1. We have prepared a 15-minute quiz at  www.ChemReview.Net/MentalMathAssessment.pdf  that will identify students who need help in mental math.
  1. For students lacking fluency, we have written homework assignments that practice mental math, with an online quiz added to encourage practice completion. The activities in this Mental Math packet may be downloaded at  http://www.ChemReview.Net/pdfs/MentalMath.PDF

(click and check your PDF downloads).

Researchers say that if during a course, students are given a mix of calculator and “no calculator” problems that keep their mental math sharp, they will better understand quantitative examples and proportional reasoning.

In different populations, skills will vary, but the 15-minute quiz should tell you quickly which individual students will benefit from “Mental Math” homework.

#   #   #   #   #

35 Responses

  1. Jason Just July 27, 2015 / 10:31 am

    This is great stuff! As HS chemistry becomes more of a “required course for graduation,” basic preparation with “math facts” is essential. It is possible that many “real-life” connections between math/science are never made because learners cannot automatically “do” simple mental math. Way to Go Chem and Cognition Blog!

    Reply
  2. bernard cleyet October 11, 2016 / 7:35 pm

    I never memorized “the times table”.. I don’t know if this “held me back”. So, possibly, not important.

    I also often count on my fingers, tho I sometimes can use the trick of adding to one number and subtracting from the other to have a remembered addition or subtraction.

    I did memorize 2^n; 0< n <13 in college, because that was before nuclear scalers of 10 were common.

    But I have memorized simple diffs and integrals, as I use them often.

    I usta joke I couldn't multiply numbers, but could find an integral in the complex plane using residuals.
    bc had to ask his wife what x was in the captcha

    Reply
  16. auto 846 February 24, 2026 / 6:42 am

    A convenient car catalog https://www.auto.ae/catalog brands, models, specifications, and current prices. Compare engines, fuel consumption, trim levels, and equipment to find the car that meets your needs.

    Reply
  17. maxispin_u_moOl March 2, 2026 / 2:38 am

    For those seeking an exceptional online gaming experience, us.com](https://maxispin.us.com/) stands out as a premier destination. At Maxispin Casino, players can enjoy a vast array of pokies, table games, and other thrilling options, all accessible in both demo and real-money modes. The casino offers attractive bonuses, including free spins and a generous welcome offer, along with cashback promotions and engaging tournaments. To ensure a seamless experience, Maxispin provides various payment methods, efficient withdrawal processes, and reliable customer support through live chat. Security is a top priority, with robust safety measures and a strong focus on responsible gambling tools. Players can easily navigate the site, with detailed guides on account creation, verification, and payment methods. Whether you’re interested in high RTP slots, hold and win pokies, or the latest slot releases, Maxispin Casino delivers a user-friendly and secure platform. Explore their terms and conditions, read reviews, and discover why many consider Maxispin a legitimate and trustworthy choice in Australia.
    MaxiSpin.us.com is an innovative tool tailored for content creators and marketing professionals.

    **Features of MaxiSpin.us.com**
    Users can enter their specifications and obtain customized content within minutes.

    **Benefits of Using MaxiSpin.us.com**
    MaxiSpin.us.com provides businesses with a major advantage by simplifying the content creation process.

    Reply
  22. arbitrazhnyy yurist 30 March 5, 2026 / 11:48 pm

    Нужен юрист? https://arbitrazhnyy-yurist.ru представительство в арбитражном суде, защита интересов бизнеса, взыскание задолженности, споры по договорам и сопровождение судебных процессов для компаний и предпринимателей.

    Reply
  24. kran privarnoy 32 March 6, 2026 / 12:04 am

    Ищешь кран? краны под приварку для трубопроводов различного назначения. Надежная запорная арматура для систем водоснабжения, отопления, газа и промышленных магистралей. Высокая герметичность, долговечность и устойчивость к нагрузкам.

    Reply
  28. maxispin_a_euMa March 6, 2026 / 8:12 am

    Discover the thrill of real-money live casino action at best live dealer cashback deals Maxispin, where you can enjoy live dealers, top software providers, and exclusive promotions.
    Users benefit from clear menus and practical guides that make content discovery easy.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to bnadexfn Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *