In this story of a teacher-designed activity called Garage Math, 5th grade students broadened their understanding of how mathematics is used in the real world and strengthened their mathematical skills as they assumed the roles of construction workers. (Author/NB)

Analyzes students' calculations of appliance efficiency using basic arithmetic and provides examples of energy guide labels that illustrate applications of algebra and statistical concepts. (KHR)

Several schemes use modular arithmetic to append a check digit to product identification numbers for error detection. Some schemes are discussed, including ones for money orders and library books. Then a foolproof method is presented. (MNS)

Recommends "Maniac Magee,""Dicey's Song," and "Dear Mr. Henshaw" as children's fiction books that portray mathematics in a positive light. (MKR)

Presents mathematics problems which use technology for exploring and verifying relationships among data sets; comparing and analyzing effects of changes in parameters of mathematical models; simulating complex, expensive, or dangerous events using probability models based on random outcomes; and graphically or numerically zooming in on apparent…

Demonstrates the application of spreadsheet analysis in solving equations beyond quadratics. Considers the costs of interest, gasoline, and maintenance in deciding how long it pays to keep a car. (MKR)

Describes an analysis of the direction taken by a baseball immediately after coming into contact with the bat. Uses geometry, trigonometry, and physics. (MKR)

Explains the importance of students learning algebra, and provides examples of how it can benefit them in typical life encounters. The article reveals how algebra quantifies relationships between quantities, basic algebraic structures, and its importance in the deductive process. Several algebra problems that illustrate these points are presented.…

Discusses using dimensional analysis in beginning calculus to help the students determine if the correct exponents and factors are being used. Suggests that dimensional analysis may be very useful but must be used with care. (MVL)

The model of discourse comprehension of W. Kintsch (1988) draws on connectionist ideas and gives rise to some mathematical questions that are investigated in this paper, giving theoretical support to the model. (Author/SLD)

Mathematical programing formulas are introduced as new approaches to solve the classification problem in discriminant analysis. The research literature is reviewed, and an illustration using a real-world classification problem is provided. Issues relevant to potential uses of these formulations are discussed. (TJH)

Describes experiences during the field-testing and development of the Mathematics in Context (MiC) project from the developer and classroom teacher points of view. (ASK)

Describes an investigation that focuses on comparing data sets by using data on 37 brands of peanut butter and their quality ratings. (ASK)

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)

Word problems have several purposes in mathematics education. Concentrates on two of these purposes--word problems as applications and word problems as mental manipulatives--and compares them with each other. (ASK)