The sixteen chapters of this book provide the core material for the Elements of Mathematics Program, a secondary sequence developed for highly motivated students with strong verbal abilities. The sequence is based on a functional-relational approach to mathematics teaching, and emphasizes teaching by analysis of real-life situations. This text is…

From some simple and schematic assumptions about information processing, a stochastic differential equation is derived for the motion of a student through a computer-assisted elementary mathematics curriculum. The mathematics strands curriculum of the Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences is used to test: (1) the theory and (2)…

This handbook is designed to assist teachers of technical mathematics in developing practically-oriented curricula for their students. The underlying assumption is that, while technology students are not a breed apart, their needs and orientation are to the concrete, rather than the abstract. It describes the nature, scope, and content of…

Discusses the classification of binary oxides as acidic, basic, or amphoteric. Demonstrates how a numerical scale for acidity/basicity of binary oxides can be constructed using thermochemical data for oxoacid salts. Presents the calculations derived from the data that provide the numeric scale values. (TW)

Explores graph theory and use of topological indices to predict boiling points. Lists three indices: Wiener Number, Randic Branching Index and Molecular Connectivity, and Molecular Identification numbers. Warns of inadequacies with stereochemistry. (ML)

"The Expert Mathematician" is designed to help middle school students develop the thinking processes for mathematical applications and communication. A three-year program of instruction, "The Expert Mathematician" uses a software and consumable print materials package with 196 lessons that teach the "Logo" programming…

Describes the nature and use of computer algebra and its applications to various physical sciences. Includes diagrams illustrating, among others, a computer algebra system and flow chart of operation of the Euclidean algorithm. (SK)

Discusses how all applications of mathematics have a unifying theme, namely, that of mathematical modeling. Three examples of models in science and technology are briefly described. These are suggested as suitable project work in the classroom, which involve collaborative work between science and mathematics. Advantages and benefits of modeling…

Results for 3,244 female and 3,033 male junior high school students from the Second International Mathematics Study show that applied items in algebra, geometry, and computation were easier for males but arithmetic items were differentially easier for females. Implications of these findings for assessment and instruction are discussed. (SLD)

A qualitative study of 15 ninth grade math students required to write a paper showing how math is used in the real world revealed differences in how teachers and students perceive research. Discusses student and teacher interpretations of the project; student reactions to the process, support materials, and grades; and student feelings about the…

Describes a Calculus I project in which students discover the formula for the derivative of an exponential function. The project includes two targeted writing assignments and leads to several additional problems. Together these tasks provide a basis for an algebraic approach to the exponential function. (AIM)

Offers suggestions for real-world projects in the statistics classroom for business students. (KHR)

Argues that the vast majority of adults have no use for the specialized mathematics taught in high schools and required by colleges--algebra, geometry, or calculus. Suggests that colleges should accept applicants who have studied percents, formulas, logic, computer commands, and basic statistics. (TE)

Presents several examples of the iteration method using computer spreadsheets. Examples included are simple iterative sequences and the solution of equations using the Newton-Raphson formula, linear interpolation, and interval bisection. (YP)

Shows step-by-step use of spreadsheets with an example from linear programing using the Simplex method. Describes pivot choosing and partial Gauss-Jordan elimination procedures. (YP)