Presents a brief historical sketch of the life and work of one of the founders of modern mathematical physics. Discusses three problem-solving applications of the Poisson distribution with examples from elementary probability theory. Provides background on two of his noteworthy results from the physics of oscillations and the deformation of rigid…

Discusses how the discovery of chaos has created a new paradigm in scientific modeling and how findings are contributing to changes in thought about many different branches of science. Includes explanations and examples of how chaotic behavior can be understood. (ML)

Describes a collision probability demonstration that emphasizes the value of behavior which minimizes traffic randomness. (LS)

Discusses need for introducing material to educate students about the relationship of philosophy to physics and science in general, particularly in light of quantum mechanics. Suggesting the dual nature of electrons as a starting point and citing several supplemental texts, a demonstration is described to be used to introduce the topic. (JM)

A technique for the numerical identification of bacteria using normalized likelihoods calculated from a probabilistic database is described, and the principles of the technique are explained. The listing of the computer program is included. Specimen results from the program, and examples of how they should be interpreted, are given. (KR)

This paper illustrates a model of the layperson's reasoning patterns under conditions of uncertainty, the "outcome approach," which was developed from analysis of videotaped problem-solving interviews with 16 undergraduate students. According to the outcome approach, the goal in questions of uncertainty is to predict the outcome of an…

Designed to serve as a supplement for high school level mathematics, this publication contains activities which aim to enhance mathematical knowledge and skills and to assist students in understanding aerospace technology and its achievements. This volume updates an earlier supplement that was published in 1972. Problems are grouped into chapters…

Described is how the computer was used in an environmental education module to develop students' decision-making skills and the concepts of probability. The computer was also used to analyze the presence of lead in the environment. (KR)

This book is a revised edition of one of the products of a project, "Teaching Mathematics and Science Concepts, K-6, funded by the New York State Education Department. The project was a collaborative effort by mathematics and science education faculty at the State University of New York at Albany and representatives of eight school districts in…

Designed to provide students of grades five through nine with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, this booklet contains activities involving real world experiences. A variety of topics are addressed, such as sunlight, shadows, images, probability, symmetry, and nutrition. Twenty-eight mathematics skills and nine science processes are…