Argues that the effective use of calculators is important for employees in many areas. Suggests ways that schools might incorporate calculators into mathematics instruction. (PK)

Defines arithmetic, harmonic, and weighted harmonic means, and discusses their properties. Describes the application of these properties in problems involving fuel economy estimates and average rates of motion. Gives example problems and solutions. (CW)

This article presents some of the optics and mathematics related to what causes a rainbow, why it is brighter inside than out, and why more than one rainbow may appear. (PK)

Competence in dealing with mathematical model building requires mathematical knowledge, technological knowledge about how to develop a model, and reflective knowledge relevant for evaluation of the model building process. A general conceptual framework for identification of reflective knowledge is presented by a structural and a developmental…

Suggests activities which use newspapers as a source of data from which students design, read, and use tables, charts, and graphs. The activities, in reproducible worksheet format, provide teachers with both short- and long-term projects. (PK)

Describes a college-level course that develops an awareness and understanding of environmental issues through instruction of mathematical concepts and processes, presenting sample mathematical problems which illustrate how environmental issues are used as themes for teaching mathematical skills. Also provides a list of annotated references for…

Game theory is appropriate as a topic for an honors seminar for high school students. Matrices provide a model for analyzing certain situations involving conflict, and probability theory can be used to determine the best strategies for the players. Variations on the ancient game of morra are discussed. (MNS)

Provides examples from elementary mathematics principles which illustrate some of the advantages of an interactive mouse-driven animation. Explains the effectiveness of this approach with exercises dealing with a plane of waves and quadratic formulas. (ML)

Provides a simplified, synoptic overview of the area of thermodynamics, enumerating and explaining the four basic laws, and introducing the mathematics involved in a stepwise fashion. Discusses such basic tools of thermodynamics as enthalpy, entropy, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy, and their uses in problem solving. (JM)

Provides (in table format) lists of chemistry prerequisites in biology textbooks, physics prerequisites in chemistry textbooks, chemistry prerequisites in physics textbooks, and mathematical requirements of physics and chemistry. Indicates that mathematical requirements for chemistry and physics are similar and that substantial chemistry and…

This paper presents information on a course entitled "Mathematics and Technology" which was created at the University of Montreal and was taught once during the winter term of 2001. The students in the course were for the most part future high school teachers. Several applications of mathematics in technology are introduced and students…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has published three documents that propose standards related to mathematics education called "The Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (1989), "The Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics" (1991), and "The Assessment Standards for School Mathematics" (1995). The…

The different approaches for solving problems and learning mathematics with technology are invaluable. This paper describes how to determine the variables of the ordinary annuity equation with a spreadsheet. Examples of future value of annuity, sinking fund annuity, the number of periods necessary for periodic payments plus interest to accumulate…

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a learning game, of student teams, and of the games-teams combination on classroom processes. (Author)

Specific examples of activities that have been effective in classrooms are described. (LS)