An activity that shows how mathematics can be used to model events in the real world is described. A way to calculate the area of the sun covered by the moon during a partial eclipse is presented. A computer program that will determine the coverage percentage is also included. (KR)

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

In this middle school mathematics unit two imaginary characters, Horatio and Portia, decide to make their fortune in Quincy Market (Boston, Massachusetts) running a Bull Market cart. In order to solve the problems that they encounter, they need to learn ratio and proportion, map reading, estimation, area and perimeter, population sampling, problem…

Presented is an educational game called "The Chaos Game" which produces complicated fractal images. Two basic computer programs are included. The production of fractal images by the Sierpinski gasket and the Chaos Game programs is discussed. (CW)

Discusses dimensionality in Euclidean geometry. Presents methods to produce fractals using LOGO. Uses the idea of self-similarity. Included are program listings and suggested extension activities. (MVL)

This article discusses the analysis of a decision-making process faced by contestants on the television game show "The Price is Right". The included analyses of the original and related problems concern pattern searching, inductive reasoning, quadratic functions, and graphing. Computer simulation programs in BASIC and tables of…

Uses a LOGO program and probability to solve systems of equations. Provides a physical model and a LOGO model. Lists programs and explains the methodology used. (MVL)

Proposes an alternative means of approximating the value of complex integrals, the Monte Carlo procedure. Incorporating a discrete approach and probability, an approximation is obtained from the ratio of computer-generated points falling under the curve to the number of points generated in a predetermined rectangle. (MDH)

The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource for teacher use in computer mathematics instruction. Although it is not intended to be used as a textbook or a complete course syllabus, the guide does include a set of student objectives which are designed to define the content of a 1-year course in computer mathematics. The major focus of the…

Provides several examples of the use of Logo in working with fractions and manipulating vectors. Includes an exercise which deals with the relationship between the two and several exercises which address various problems using different kinds of fractions. (TW)