wikipedia---
OVERVIEW: The most influential figure on this project was Frederque’ Papy. This
project employs four non-verbal languages for the purpose of posing
problems and representing mathematical concepts. They are: the Papy
Minicomputer(mental computation), Arrows(relations),
Strings(classification) and Calculators(patterns). It was designed to
teach mathematics as a problem solving activity rather than just
teaching arithmetic skills. The program was highly structured using the
spiral scheme of program development. It introduced many basic concepts
such as fractions earlier than normal but was criticized for lack of
emphasis given to calculation. New content in probability and geometry
was introduced. There was a range of supporting material including story
books with mathematical problems. Lessons were often posed in a story.
One character in these books was Eli the Elephant, a pachyderm
with a bag of magic peanuts — some representing positive integers, some
negative.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program
