Research over the past few decades points to ways precalculus and calculus courses can be strengthened to improve student learning in these courses. This research has informed the development of the Algebra and Precalculus Concept Readiness (APCR) and the Calculus Concept Readiness (CCR) assessments. In this article, the authors present three…

In this paper we present an application of statistics using real stock market data. Most, if not all, students have some familiarity with the stock market (or at least they have heard about it) and therefore can understand the problem easily. It is the real data analysis that students find interesting. Here we explore the building of efficient…

Individual, small group, and program effectiveness can be evaluated quickly and painlessly using the binomial expansion. Describes this powerful, but seldom used, nonparametric method. Uses specific examples to illustrate its simplicity and elegance. Includes an abbreviated table of probabilities. (Author/ABB)

Almost all modern rotation of factor loadings is based on optimizing a criterion, for example, the quartimax criterion for quartimax rotation. Recent advancements in numerical methods have led to general orthogonal and oblique algorithms for optimizing essentially any rotation criterion. All that is required for a specific application is a…

Describes "chemometrics" courses which focus on statistical and mathematical approaches for interpreting complex chemical data. (SK)

Presents results of an investigation of a formula for rank correlation. The exploration turned up an unexpected connection and showed the formula to be far from arbitrary. (PK)

Discusses the changing nature of mathematics. Describes how computers, applications, and cross-fertilization have produced new methods, theories, and models in the mathematical sciences transforming it into a powerful collection of tools for science. (RT)

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

Discusses the least squares technique and states the difficulty in finding suitable examples for using it in the chemical laboratory. Provides several least squares equations and the accompanying three dimensional drawings. Notes graphic lecture aids are available from the author as either slides or overheads. (MVL)

Considers the development of a computer program for interactive, screen-oriented problem solving. Provides theoretical background and program development to determine internal energy, heat capacity, and entropy. Lists the program written in BASIC for Apple II computers. (MVL)

Discussed are problems encountered when a gas absorption experiment with strong measurement error is used. Notes students either avoid the experiment or report it as defective. Provides ideas to make lab experiments more instructive. (MVL)

The third-party evaluation of the second year of the Iowa Central Community College Experience Based Career Education (EBCE) Project was based on examination of project records, interviews with project staff, student and resource persons, questionnaires completed by students, parents and resource persons, and test data collected on students at the…