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

A series of lessons designed to promote problem-solving skills by encouraging students to write programs is presented. All samples of solutions are written in BASIC. (MP)

An approach to problem solving broader than the traditional one most often used by instructors is described and recommended. Implementation of these ideas has the potential of increasing problem solving ability of students while promoting a fuller appreciation of the value of the process. (MP)

The goal is to make some suggestions that may be useful to teachers in meeting the mathematics needs of the noncollege-bound student. It is felt teachers can motivate pupils with problems that are relevant and practical. Further, teachers need to approach mathematics from a realistic point of view. (MP)

A class activity is detailed in which alternative designs for glasses are examined. The goal is to design a glass which is built tilted, so that beer can be poured in without creating a foam problem. The activity is viewed as one leading to interesting questions. (MP)

Advocates elementary math instruction that uses realistic problems or examples and that teaches children to think. Suggests methods for accomplishing these objectives, including the use of mathematical games. (SJL)

Some potential difficulties involved in using "real-life situations" in teaching problem solving are illustrated with a racing car problem. The importance of developing mental images and the ability to abstract in the solution process is indicated. (MP)

Three questions dealing with hypothesis testing are presented. Activities that can be best worked with calculators as tools are detailed and suggestions for extensions of these problems are given. (MP)

A mathematical treatment of the relationship between driving speed and fuel efficiency is presented. The material involves applications of exponentials, logarithms, and elementary calculus, and is intended to be enrichment material for secondary and lower college mathematics classes. (MP)

An exercise in applied mathematics that focuses on belt drives that is suitable for senior secondary pupils is presented. Some comments on classroom use and student reactions to this lesson are included. (MP)

Mathematical problems generated by 509 middle school students who were given story-problem descriptions and asked to pose questions that could be answered using the information were examined for solvability, linguistic and mathematical complexity, and relationships within the sets of posed problems. The multiple-step data analysis scheme can be…

Describes a successful course in mathematical biology at Dartmouth College. The course targets premedical students and biology majors rather than mathematics majors, and requires only one semester of calculus as prerequisite. Real world problems form the basis of student work. (Author/KHR)

Discusses the differences between mathematical problem solving typically used in the classroom and problem solving that is a part of everyday situations out of school. Suggests some teaching methods to align classroom instruction with the real world. Seventeen references are listed. (YP)

Investigated the effect of the choice of a model's medium (algebraic expression or computer program) on the performance of students. Student programers did not transfer the qualities of a computer program approach to their algebraic models. Provides items for five tests. (YP)

Solves the problem of defining a smooth piecewise linear approximation to a given function. Discusses some alternative approaches to the problem. (YP)