Utilizes a computer-generated graph to solve an equation for methods using trigonometric tables or less sophisticated calculators would likely fail because of round-off errors and limitations of the instruments. Discusses how this new technology can be utilized in mathematics instruction. (MDH)

Describes alternative form of evaluation that enables the teacher to assign a grade to students problem-solving skills as they participate in a discussion to solve a problem. Discusses room arrangement, the role of the audience, grading, and secondary benefits of the method. (MDH)

Presented is a concrete, realistic way of representing concepts of coordinate geometry. Students represent the coordinates in a living version of a five-by-five square geoboard. Procedures and examples for using this activity are included. (KR)

An introductory Natural Science course with a focus on the laboratory is described. The main function of the course is getting students prepared for required individual projects in science. A copy of the syllabus, a description of laboratory experiments, and the context of the course are included. (KR)

Considers children's literature as a tool for teaching mathematics. Ways that children's literature can help achieve the goals established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are discussed, and use of children's books to explore topics such as measurement, multiplication, estimation, and subtraction is examined. A bibliography of 41…

Presents four suggestions from teachers on classroom and teaching matters, including (1) using a journalism model for teaching essay writing; (2) a framework of teaching options for content area instruction; (3) what makes a good workplace literacy project; and (4) what helps students learn problem solving. (SR)

Maintains that an environment of trust, protection, and mutual regard allows children to grow in the practice of cooperation, joint problem solving, and positive social behavior. Details ways for teachers to create a democratic and participatory climate, and a community of caring and well-being, in the classroom. (LB)

Discusses thinking skills for college students and describes strategies that can be used by faculty to teach thinking skills in distance education courses. Criteria for teaching thinking skills to distance learners are suggested, and methods are presented for teaching problem solving, how to evaluate information, and decision making. (10…

Described are the variations found between the western and African versions of the same logic puzzle. It is demonstrated that mathematical ideas are of concern in traditional non-Western cultures as well as in the West. (KR)

Explored are the distributions of residual components in two model systems. A system of components with exponentially distributed lifetimes and the two-dimensional "leaf model" in which objects fall on a plane with positions independent and normally distributed are discussed. Included are the definition, application, computations, and theorem. (KR)

The problem of determining the most energy-efficient strategy to use in approaching a traffic light that is sighted at an unknown phase in its cycle is discussed. Included are calculations, results, and conclusions. (KR)

Described are some ways in which individual states code driver's license numbers. The encoding of month, date of birth, year of birth, sex, and others involving elementary mathematics and the use of an elaborate system of hashing functions in describing the first, middle, and last names are discussed. (KR)

Presented is a combinatorial problem based on the Hash House Harriers rule which states that the route of the run should not have previously been traversed by the club. Discovered is how many weeks the club can meet before the rule has to be broken. (KR)

The Directed Inquiry Approach to Learning Science Process Skills and Scientific Problem Solving [DIAL(SPS)2] is described. Concept mapping, advance organizers, Vee diagrams, the theme approach, and focusing are used to help students develop science process skills. (KR)

A demonstration used in a heat and material balances class that explains how a reusable heat pack works is described. An initial homework problem or exam question is provided with its solution. A discussion of the solution is included. (KR)