Discusses the design of computational exercises useful for a course in numerical methods for chemists. Some of the exercises make use of available programs while others require the student to write programs incorporating numerical routines. The emphasis throughout is on the use of numerical methods to solve chemical problems. (Author)

An appeal is made for a more formal treatment of the topics of estimation and reasonableness of answers in the school mathematics curriculum. (MP)

The calculator is used to help students discover the Rule of 72 which is, in turn, used to investigate problems involving population, inflation, and energy reserves. (MP)

Analyzes three examples of spatial Bose-Einstein condensations in which the particles macroscopically occupy the lowest localized state of an inhomogeneous external potential. The three cases are (1) a box with a small square potential well inside, (2) a harmonic oscillator potential, and (3) randomly sized trapping potentials caused by…

Shows, by a judicious exploitation of the Runge-Lenz vector, that the Kepler initial value problem is endowed with a nice geometric structure which enables one to determine, after a single trivial arithmetic calculation, the orbit associated with any given set of initial data. (Author/GA)

Several models of grading variability are presented. It is shown that study of the models brings out some of the implications of various grading systems. (MK)

Describes how one logical scheme for the gearing for a multi-speed touring bicycle leads to a set of gear ratios which increase in an exponential function. (BT)

Instructional methods used in a course designed to strengthen abstract thinking skills are described. (DT)

Arguing that the infusion of career information into the student's mainstream curriculum, in this case mathematics courses, both provides the student with information about a wide range of occupational options and enhances the teaching of actual subject matter, the author introduces a series of mathematics texts he has written to enable students…

Indicates some of the "first faltering steps" being taken in an attempt to describe something of children's understanding of primary mathematics. Suggests that future evaluations of children's performance need to be based on first-hand experience and valid interpretation of classroom practice. (Editor/RK)

Argues that any mathematical construct can acquire multiple referential meanings beyond its specific mathematical meaning as it is assigned several different mappings when applied to different real-world situations. Claims that the teaching of mathematics in schools is a vehicle for an ideology concerning mathematical activity and its outcomes.…

Presents a model of what it means to understand mathematics followed by examples of exercises designed to develop understanding in specific ways. Presumes that understanding is more likely to develop if it is the direct focus of exercises. (AIM)

Describes a technique that uses cellular telephones and their rates to enliven the topic of linear equations in a college algebra course. Uses mathematics to select a cellular telephone plan from a vendor. Enables students to use and connect the ideas of functions, equations, graphs, and applications. (DDR)

Describes an activity in which students examine bicycle chain-rings, cogs, and gear ratios as a means of exploring algebraic relationships, data collection, scatter plots, and lines of best fit. (KHR)

Explains that Year 5 students in ten British schools took a mathematics division test twice in the school year. The test involved context and bare problems to identify changes in approach as the standard algorithm was introduced. Reports that 52 percent of students gained a higher score on the second test. (CMK)