Presents a demonstration, explanation, and mathematical derivation of rotational dynamics using a small plastic cylinder with a length-to-diameter ratio of about three. (MVL)

Provides six short story problems that are solved using common physics concepts. Includes solutions. (MVL)

Argues that a curriculum based on mathematics such as it arises in solving everyday problems is unrealistic; the problem of transfer cannot be resolved by claiming that it should not exist in the first place. (49 references) (MKR)

Provides a particle-in-a-box model to help students understand and estimate the magnitude of the characteristic energy scales of a number of quantum systems. Also discusses the mathematics involved with general computations. (MVL)

Describes the construction of models of two-dimensional surfaces with negative curvature that are used to illustrate differences in the triangle sum rule for the various Big Bang Theories of the universe. (JRH)

Looks at the solution to the mathematical-modeling problem asking students to find the smallest percent of the popular vote needed to elect a President. Provides assumptions from which to work the problem. (MDH)

Discusses aspects of Christopher Columbus' decision to sail west in order to reach Asia. Includes discussions concerning the shape and size of the earth as determined up to Columbus' time and conclusions he made during the journey based on his calculations. (MDH)

Presents an activity in which students create posters by interviewing someone who uses mathematics in his or her job, writing down an actual problem that person would have to solve, and writing a paragraph explaining the problem. The posters are then used in future lessons. Includes instructions for students. (MKR)

Presents activities designed to help students bridge the gap between the graphical representation of a function and a verbal description. Includes a number of nonstandard graphs and reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Discusses the mathematics of weighted voting schemes, including representative government. Shows how power is a decreasing function of population size and how tiny parties can have the same power as large constituencies. (MKR)

Discusses the theoretical and practical importance of linear algebra. Presents a brief history of linear algebra and matrix theory and describes the place of linear algebra in the undergraduate curriculum. (MDH)

The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 states that the United States will use the metric system by 1996. This act will affect much of the middle school curriculum. Teachers responsible for teaching units with measurement activities in science, math, and other curricular areas should require students to develop estimating skills while…

The dynamics of some common sports, such as race walking, running, cycling, jumping, and throwing, are presented. Rough estimates of the relevant physical quantities required for these individual sports are discussed. General mathematical formulas are derived which can be used for judging the performance of any athlete. (Author/KR)

A static method of measuring the surface tension of a liquid is presented. Jaeger's method is modified by replacing the pressure source with a variable pressure head. By using this method, stationary air bubbles are obtained thus resulting in controllable external parameters. (Author/KR)

Presented are several geometrical and graphical methods of solving quadratic equations. Discussed are Greek origins, Carlyle's method, von Staudt's method, fixed graph methods and imaginary solutions. (CW)