Presented is a problem involving a real-life situation involving simple ideas, computation, and a proof. A variety of other situations in which this type of problem may be applied are discussed. (CW)

Applications of this model to problems associated with basic phenomena in radioactivity, heat transfer, neutron chain reactions, RC circuits and vacuum pumping are presented. Example computations for each situation are included. (CW)

Describes ways of finding the answer to a problem for the possible sum of the three-digit numbers without using the same number repeatedly. Describes the classroom applications of the problem. Provides a computer program to obtain the solutions of the problem. (YP)

Discusses the geometrical array of the keys on a calculator that can be turned into a problem-solving, problem-posing situation for the upper elementary or middle school classroom. Provides figures showing the arrays, including rows, diagonals, crosses, rhombi, angles, and squares. Lists seven references. (YP)

Three mathematics software packages, MathCAD, Point Five, and TK Solver Plus, are described and compared. The packages were rated on the accompanying documentation, ease of learning, ease of use, matrix operations, equation solving capability, versatility, use of units, generation of graphs and tables, readability of output, and overall…

Activities that illustrate a problem-solving approach to teaching grouping symbols, such as parentheses and brackets, are described. Suggested exercises, answers to those exercises, and variations of this activity are included. (KR)

An approach that may be used to introduce the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics using a mathematical background with the knowledge of the behavior of matter is described. The physical background, conservation of energy, predicting the behavior of a system, and solving problems are topics of discussion. (KR)

Freudenthal was the founder of realistic mathematics education, in which reality serves as a source of applications and learning. Takes a newspaper article about reproducing a Van Gogh painting using plants in a field to exemplify a rich context problem containing elements of all areas of elementary school mathematics. (MDH)

Presents ideas for an assessment that reflects the curriculum standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Discusses how assessment tasks are created to support instruction that values a mastery of the basics, mental mathematics, mathematical vocabulary, problem solving and writing in mathematics, calculator…

Presents a problem for grades 3-6 on number concepts and computation. Also provides guidelines for teachers to improve problem-solving practices in their classrooms. (ASK)

This article extends and strengthens the knowledge in pieces perspective (diSessa, 1988, 1993) by applying core components to analyze how 5th-grade students with computational knowledge of whole-number multiplication and connections between multiplication and discrete arrays constructed understandings of area and ways of using representations to…

In this article, the author describes a week of "timely" open-ended lessons with a high ability Y9 group of boys. He gives lessons that would give the students some sense of purpose, as they try to generate a mathematical entity to represent something they used regularly. He states that understanding metric time is something his students…

When a professional engineer solves a mathematical problem using technology, he/she generally uses a single one-step "high-level" command of a readily available computer package to obtain the solution immediately. This should not happen during his/her learning cursus. In an engineering mathematics course, the educator should decompose the solution…

This paper explores the wide range of mathematics content and processes that arise in the secondary classroom via the use of unusual counting problems. A universal pedagogical goal of mathematics teachers is to convey a sense of unity among seemingly diverse topics within mathematics. Such a goal can be accomplished if we could conduct classroom…

In 2 experiments with 74 high school students, subjects studied worked examples while learning how to translate English expressions into algebraic equations. Those using worked examples outperformed the control group on posttests, made fewer errors, completed work more rapidly, and required less assistance from the teacher. (SLD)