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…

This quasi-experimental study used the two group pretest/posttest design to investigate the comparison of the acquisition of mathematics skills between General Mathematics students and Applied Mathematics 1 students. In the 1994-1995 and the 1995-1996 school years the Generalizable Mathematics Skills Assessment was administered to General…

Describes the macroscopic process of the swelling of clay by adding water, and the corresponding microscopic process of water molecules entering the spacings between clay crystals. Discusses how the Bragg equation can be used together with other physical data to calculate these spacings. (MLH)

This paper analyzes what is involved in patterning part of an introduction to politics along the lines of physical sciences, and it presents contents and results of a course in which the author did this. (Author/ND)

Activities in which the claims of psychics are evaluated can be used in probability classes. (SD)

Application of the integral calculus to predicting supplies of oil in future years is described. (SD)

Arguing that the teaching of stochastic processes should reflect the experience and reality of the student, the author urges concentration on fundamental ideas. The development of intuition should be encouraged, and to this end continuity in teaching and a spiralled curriculum are important. (SD)

After studying a unit on probability students "put it all together" by analyzing outcomes of real and computer-simulated games of craps. FORTRAN and APL programs for generation of the games are provided in this article. (SD)

The inequality involving the arithmetic and geometric means is a powerful tool in dealing with applications of mathematics. It is very important in geometric programming. The article discusses this inequality and demonstrates two real world applications accessible to secondary teachers and students. (Author/KM)

A game similar to Nim is described. Students in grades three through six have played the game in conjunction with the study of modular arithmetic,and have been able to develop winning strategies. (SD)

This simple example demonstrates the physical significance of similarity solutions and the utility of dimensional and asymptotic analysis of partial differential equations. A procedure to determine the existence of similarity solutions is proposed and subsequently applied to transient constant-flux heat transfer. Short-time expressions follow from…

The author observes that the predictor functions determined geometrically by Ranucci (EJ 090 184) can be algebraically derived, and that capable students might enjoy verifying them. Algebraic formulations and derivations are provided. (SD)