Genetic algorithms (GAs) are a problem solving strategy that uses stochastic search. Since their introduction (Holland, 1975), GAs have proven to be particularly useful for solving problems that are "intractable" using classical methods. The language of genetic algorithms (GAs) is heavily laced with biological metaphors from evolutionary…

The social science finding that two-thirds of a population of successful males are first-born sons provided the motivation for a problem solved by a 12th grade honors class. The class proved that the probability of choosing a first-born son from a male population is about two-thirds. (JP)

Discusses how grocery shopping activities can help primary and intermediate grade students develop mathematics skills useful in real life. (BB)

The use of two units from the Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) project is described. Activities contained in the units and students' reactions to them are recounted. (JP)

The author outlines the development, structure, and teaching and assessment problems of one introductory discipline-independent mathematical modelling course. (MN)

Some activities involving distances and diameters in the solar system are discussed. (MP)

The use of solid cardboard geometric shapes as molds to make candles is presented as a possible mathematics enrichment activity. (MP)

Describes the benchmark and decomposition-recomposition estimation strategies and presents five techniques to develop students' estimation ability. Suggests situations involving quantities of candy and popcorn in which the teacher can model those strategies for the students. (MDH)

This collection of activities shows how teachers can help pupils develop problem-solving techniques or strategies using a basic four-function calculator. The techniques "look for a pattern,""make a chart or organized list," and "guess and check" are used repeatedly in activities that range from discovery to application to strategy games. The…

Presented are articles selected from the "Arithmetic Teacher" and the "Mathematics Teacher," designed to supply teachers with meaningful and useful learning activities that can be adapted to specific classroom needs. The following major strands in mathematics are covered: (1) Counting and Place Value; (2) Whole Numbers and Integers; (3) Number…

Describes the learning style inventory and learning cycle developed by David Kolb. Discusses the learning cycle's four stages as concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Offers an example from a chemical engineering class in which Kolb's ideas are used in an effort to improve instruction.…

Methods use to reconstruct traffic accidents provide settings for real life applications for students in precalculus, mathematical analysis, or trigonometry. Described is the investigation of an accident in conjunction with the local Highway Patrol Academy integrating physics, vector, and trigonometry. Class findings were compared with those of…