A study with prospective teachers without prior mathematical modeling experience sheds light on how their newly developed conceptual understanding of modeling manifested itself in their work on the final task of a modeling module within a pedagogy course in secondary mathematics curriculum and assessment. The main purpose of the module was to…

This paper shows how inequalities can be utilized in reducing dimensionality of problems associated with the partition of unit fractions into the sums of two, three, and four like fractions. The need for such a reduction in this context stems from using a spreadsheet as a modelling tool. Activities described in this paper are grounded in standards…

Provides an example of the modeling power of Mathematics, demonstrated in a piece of A-Level student coursework which was undertaken as part of the MEI Structured Mathematics scheme. A system of two masses and two springs oscillating in one dimension is found to be accurately modeled by a system of linear differential equations. (Author/ASK)

Explores the derivation of empirical models for the stopping distance of a car being driven at a range of speeds. Indicates that the calculation of stopping distances makes an excellent example of empirical modeling because it is a situation that is readily understood and particularly relevant to many first-year undergraduates who are learning or…

Presents activities designed to engage students in an experiential and theoretical application of problems in precalculus and to study geometry, coordinate systems, rates, linear applications, and the concept of function. Illustrates problem situations and includes student worksheets and a teacher's guide. (KHR)

Offers a real problem for students with younger siblings that uses a board game and illustrates the use of modeling and simulation. (ASK)

Presents a hands-on modeling experiment that focuses on hyperbolic functions, asymptotes, data analysis, applied statistics, and optimization problems. (ASK)

Describes in detail several activities designed for students studying dynamics. Incorporates life-related mathematical modeling and practical work. Uses computer technology as a tool. (Contains 15 references.) (ASK)

Aims for students to use a combination of stochastic ideas to simulate a basketball tournament. Uses the TI-83 calculator in the activity to simulate the binomial distribution. (KHR)

Observes the application of probability theory to a game between two players. Shows how basic techniques such as tree diagrams can be used to demonstrate optimum strategies, how the art of bluffing can be quantified, and how this might be applied to a game of poker. (Author/ASK)

Hand-held data collection technology allows for access to real-world data collection--at any other time and almost any place. Is the use of data and its collection desirable to the mathematical learning process? The answer is a resounding yes! Not only can significant mathematical ideas be taught in the process; colleagues are also helped in the…

Presents an activity in which students predict the growth of the population of the United Stated using three different models. (Author/NB)

Presents an activity that utilizes the mathematical models of forest fires and oil spills that were generated (in the first part of this activity, published in the November 1998 issue) by students using probability and cellular automata. (ASK)

Provides a brief synopsis of the development of the National Fire Danger Rating System along with an explanation of how it works and possible ways to use it in a modeling or problem-solving unit in a secondary mathematics classroom. (ASK)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)