Mathematical models are conceptual processes that use mathematics to describe, explain, and/or predict the behaviour of complex systems. This article is written for teachers of mathematics in the junior secondary years (including out-of-field teachers of mathematics) who may be unfamiliar with mathematical modelling, to explain the steps involved…

Identification and development of giftedness is a major task of mathematics teachers worldwide. An early identification of gifted children in mathematics can have a number of benefits, like, providing opportunities for the nourishment of their talent, saving them from burnout, and proper utilisation of mathematical talent in future. As creativity…

The use of collaborative problem solving within mathematics education is imperative in this day and age of integrative science. The formation of interdisciplinary teams of mathematicians and scientists to investigate crucial problems is on the rise, as greater insight can be gained from an interdisciplinary perspective. Mathematical modelling, in…

The Encouraging Persistence Maintaining Challenge (EMPC) Project has been working with secondary teachers in Melbourne as they seek to build persistence in students, during work on challenging mathematics tasks. The authors have developed sequences of tasks in various topic areas for Years 7 and 8, which require students to connect different…

This article presents a lesson that focuses on numeracy. In the lesson, students were tasked to find the best path for a new expressway. The purpose of the activity was for students to gain an appreciation of the complexities associated with designing public infrastructure and to put into practice the mathematical skills. This article also…

The ability to solve linear equations sets students up for success in many areas of mathematics and other disciplines requiring formula manipulations. There are many reasons why solving linear equations is a challenging skill for students to master. One major barrier for students is the inability to interpret the equals sign as anything other than…

A model for population growth is described. (SD)

Traditionally, students learn arithmetic throughout their primary schooling, and this is seen as the ideal preparation for the learning of algebra in the junior secondary school. The four operations are taught and rehearsed in the early years and from this, it is assumed, "children will induce the fundamental structure of arithmetic" (Warren &…

Some single species and two species interactions in population models are presented to show how credible examples can be used to teach an underlying, common mathematical structure within apparently different concepts. The models examined consist of differential equations, and focus on real-world issues. (MP)

A discussion of the mathematics of rugby is related to an earlier article about mathematics and the physical world. (MP)

This exercise in mathematical modelling requires understanding of geometric progressions, inequalities, and absolutes. It presents a problem on credit creation in the banking system. (MNS)

Attempts to raise some of the issues involved in incorporating mathematical modelling with classroom teaching, as well as providing some background for those unfamiliar with the area. (PK)

Several mathematical problems designed to provide motivation for the application of mathematics to practical situations in sports and industry are presented. (MP)

Presents two methods for solving equations. An asymmetric approach works backward from a number by reversing operations performed on a variable. A symmetric approach views the equation as a scale and performs inverse operations on both sides of the balance to solve for the variable. (MDH)