Describes the numerical methods of relaxation and over-relaxation for solving Laplace's equation for a system of conductors, and gives several examples of their use. (Author/GA)

Describes the accomplishments and life of the gifted Chinese mathematician Hua Lo-Keng. Hua is noted for his efforts in popularizing mathematics and for his work in number theory, in particular his contributions to Waring's problem. Hua has published 150 papers in respected journals and is the author of nine books. (Author/DS)

Describes a method, considered appropriate for presentation to undergraduate students in materials science and related courses, for the calculation of cohesive energies of the alkali metals. Uses a description based on the free electron model and gives results to within 0.1 eV of the experimental values. (Author/GS)

Use of computer programs as tools for instruction on statistics is presented. A program for TRS-80 Level II BASIC is included. (MP)

Some insight into school students' understanding of measuring with units as revealed by the mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is discussed. Sample exercises and responses are presented and implications for instruction are reviewed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document:…

The objectives, content, and intent of an undergraduate mathematics course at the University of Northern California. The course focuses on gambling and bets, with the focus of ideas on probability, expected value, computers, and the mathematics of finance. (MP)

Two posters that can provide simulated problem-solving experiences at a corner store are provided. (MK)

Derives Green's functions and integral equations for scattering solutions subject to a variety of boundary conditions. Exact solutions are obtained for the case of a finite spherical square-well potential, and properties of these solutions are discussed. (Author/HM)

Some history, applications, and unique characteristics of zero are discussed. (MK)

A sample lesson is given in which students apply mathematics on a hypothetical trip. (MK)

A four-step sequence of desirable student cognitive behaviors is described and discussed. Teaching implications are noted. (MK)

Discusses some mathematical games concerning the packing of squares. (HM)

Gives a sketch of some topics in distribution theory that is technically simple, yet provides techniques for handling the partial differential equations satisfied by the most important Green's functions in physics. (Author/GA)

Four categories of abuses are discussed: calculations, games and puzzles; mystical button pushing; and checking answers. Useful activities are illustrated for the categories of calculations, patterns, exploration, applications, and new content. (MP)

Describes how the Phi number and the Fibonacci numbers are generated. Some activities to examine the existence of the Fibonacci series in nature and music are also presented. (HM)