Low motivation to study abstract theoretical material and lack of background in mathematics are two problems encountered by students learning electronics. To combat these problems a systems approach to learning is suggested for the study of electrical circuits and devices. (Author/TG)

Multiple examples of the mathematics involved in photography are given. (MP)

Special ways of using computers as a useful tool in algebra instruction are reviewed, with applications to linear equations featured. (MP)

The current status of creating artificial intelligence (AI) in computers is viewed in terms of what has been accomplished, what the current limitations are, and how vague the concept of intelligent behavior is in today's world. Progress is expected to accelerate once sufficient fundamental knowledge is available. (MP)

Presents a reexamination of an intuitively geometric view of the nonrelativistic Pauli spinor in a simplified discussion of the connection between the rotation group and special transformations in the plane of projection. This view of the spinor is related to those based on the existence of an istropic or null vector. (SK)

Discusses laboratory investigations designed to allow students to solve problems without using predetermined mathematical formulas. As a result, laboratory problems force students to think. In addition, some students formulate their own mathematical relationships and enhance their understanding of the connection between mathematics and…

Research to determine whether female and male students with comparable mathematics backgrounds will have comparable achievement patterns in algebra is presented. Sex differences discovered appear to have little to do with algebra, with further research recommended on pupil use of applied problem-solving skills. (MP)

Suggestions for outdoor mathematics activities include six each for primary-age and intermediate-age children. (MK)

This article shows that, by applying the Hellman-Feynman theorem alone to screened Coulomb potentials, the first four coefficients in the energy series in powers of the perturbation parameter can be obtained from the unperturbed Coulomb system. (Author/HM)

Some counterintuitive ideas in probability are examined. In particular, for sequential selection procedure, such as drawing cards, it is shown that there is probabilistic advantage to drawing first (or early) relative to drawing last (or late) in the sequence. (Author/MK)

A problem, motivated by the conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius, is related to classical Diophantine equations. (MK)

Sources for everyday problems are suggested and examples from newspapers are given. Also included are a sample role-playing situation and six other suggested activities. (MK)

A fifth-grade class runs its own school supply store. Children take turns running the shop. Purchasing objects involves completing order blanks and counting change. Shopkeepers fill out detailed records. Motivation for correct computation and careful record keeping is high. (SD)

Describes six key practices vital to a problem-centered instructional approach to number sense and computational strategies. Also presents actual classroom examples of strategies. (AIM)

Investigated relation between development of understanding principles that govern a problem and of mathematical strategies used to solve it. Subjects were college students and 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th graders. The pattern of estimated answers provided a measure of intuitive understanding of task principles. Understanding an intuitive principle was…