Numerous studies have shown that mathematical knowledge is situational, meaning that students' abilities to transfer and apply skills depends on the conditions in which they were learned (Barab 1999; Boaler 2002, 2016). Given that the real world seldom presents problems that are confined to a single discipline (Barab 1999), it is imperative that…

The Transcontinental Railroad began laying track east from Sacramento, California, in 1863 and west from Omaha, Nebraska, in 1865; the two lines eventually met in Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869. One of the train towns, Ogallala, Nebraska, consisted of only a section house and water tank alongside newly laid track. Over the next few years, train…

The goal of this geometry project is to use Voronoi diagrams, a powerful modeling tool across disciplines, and the integration of technology to analyze spring rainfall from rain gauge data over a region. In their investigation, students use familiar equipment from their mathematical toolbox: triangles and other polygons, circumcenters and…

A noncredit course in a workshop format is described, with sessions focusing on recognizing and defining problems; organizing information and using modeling techniques; analyzing data, recognizing trends, and making decisions; being flexible and thinking creatively; and generalizing and consolidating. (MNS)

Provides a strategy that can help teachers and students begin using the history of mathematics as they learn more about both the history and mathematics--namely, think about who does math, how math is done--and what math is. (KHR)

Describes the mathematical needs of electricians and in so doing, indicates where the trainers of electricians strike a balance between skills, understanding, and problem solving. (KHR)

An activity is described as an example of an application that draws on the behavior of current in electrical circuits to create a symbolic algebra. Five worksheets are included, with discussion of their use. (MNS)

The various roles and uses of mathematics in developing global awareness in students are considered. Mathematics as a unifier of human experience and problem solving with a global emphasis are discussed with many illustrative examples. (MNS)

Presents a typical cost-allocation problem with possible solutions, including geometric and combinatoric ones. Provides students with a real-life application of the mathematics that they know. (KHR)

Uses poems incorporating mathematical terms to help students apply their knowledge of mathematics to another field and give evidence that what they had learned had become a useful and easily accessible part of their general experience. Includes assignment sheets. (KHR)

Describes a group project that involves geometry and falls into an area of mathematics known as operations research, which is crucial to making decisions in business and industry. Includes problem statements and project assessment guidelines and illustrates solutions. (KHR)

Drawing the prisoner's cell after reading the Poe classic, and redrawing it after each of several passages are read, students develop problem-solving strategies. (SD)

Describes the process of mathematical modeling, an extensive teacher's guide, and a student modeling activity to improve the efficiency of soft-drink packaging. (KHR)

Offers a cave-mapping problem and discusses how to solve it. Presents the problem and necessary geologic background and a spreadsheet algorithm to solve the problem. (KHR)

Describes a rugby problem designed to help students understand the maximum-minimum situation. Presents a series of explorations that locate an optimal place for kicking the ball to maximize the angle at the goalposts. Uses interactive geometry software to construct a model of the situation. Includes a sample student activity. (KHR)