As calculators and computer use increases in mathematics education, more educators are recognizing a shift in emphasis from computation to problem solving. Ways to generate problems that can be used to develop pupil creativity and insight are suggested, and process-oriented instruction is promoted. (MP)

A brief introduction to the broad field of curve-fitting is provided to help explain the reasoning behind least-squares data fitting, and also to provide useful equations for two functional forms of interest in chemistry. Appendices give program examples written in Fortran and detail the method of Guggenheim. (MP)

A problem is detailed which has a solution that embodies geometry, trigonometry, ballistics, projectile mechanics, vector analysis, and elementary computer graphics. It is felt that the information and sample computer programs can be a useful starting point for a user written code that involves missiles and other projectiles. (MP)

Three examples of problems that can be adapted to different grade levels and abilities and used to help children develop problem-solving skills are discussed. Some of the specific approaches recommended for teachers in helping students to find solutions are detailed with each example. (MP)

Two examples are given of ways traffic engineers estimate traffic flow. The first, Floating Car Method, involves some basic ideas and the notion of relative velocity. The second, Maximum Traffic Flow, is viewed to involve simple applications of calculus. The material provides insight into specialized applications of mathematics. (MP)

Wind chill is detailed and noted as an estimate of how cold the wind makes a person feel in cold weather. A worksheet master that provides a table of temperatures and wind speeds is provided along with a set of problems. Answers to the brief question set are provided. (MP)

This report illustrates how high school statistics students at the junior and senior year level utilize the TRS-80 microcomputer and the Level II BASIC programing language to handle computations of a least squares problem, where an equation is fitted to empirical data. (MP)

Problem posters that focus on the use of information from a chart to find a solution are featured. One poster looks at the prices of picture postcards and is geared for grades one through three. The second poster, designed for levels four through eight, focuses on postage rates. (MP)

Four ideas dealing with applications of telling time are featured. Activities covered include sequencing routine daily events, scheduling appointments, watching television, and calculating elapsed time across time zones. Worksheets suitable for duplication are provided. The activities are considered practical and adaptable to problem-solving…

An approach which seeks to stimulate interest in mathematics by enabling a student to use his knowledge in a nontrivial application is discussed. An example of how the approach was implemented is presented with an assessment of the results as measured by student reactions. (Author/TG)

The task of finding the least number and the size of weights necessary to weigh every integral number of pounds from one to 40 is presented as a problem solving activity for elementary classrooms. (MP)

A special calendar chart is presented that can be used to find out what day of the week any date falls on during the 1980s. (MP)

Some examples of typical nonrelevant textbook problems on probability are followed by more complex problems pulled from the real world. The resource used in this report is Newsweek magazine; and is used to help demonstrate that from the very beginning, lessons on conditional probability can have relevance. (MP)

Instructional methods used in a course designed to strengthen abstract thinking skills are described. (DT)

Explains that Year 5 students in ten British schools took a mathematics division test twice in the school year. The test involved context and bare problems to identify changes in approach as the standard algorithm was introduced. Reports that 52 percent of students gained a higher score on the second test. (CMK)