Describes a mathematical salary-growth model which serves as the basis of an objective conversion procedure (providing a more equitable merit-pay plan). Also demonstrates how this procedure was used and discusses additional benefits (particularly pertinent to institutions using arbitrary criteria to determine pay increments and have lock-step…

A course in mathematical model-building is described. Suggested modeling projects include: urban problems, biology and ecology, economics, psychology, games and gaming, cosmology, medicine, history, computer science, energy, and music. (MK)

Presents a procedure for calculating the compass direction and velocity of present plate motions at any geographical point of interest. Includes a table of the relative and geographic motion of the 11 largest plates and a flow chart for determining their present motion. Also offers suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

Discusses areas in the undergraduate curriculum that are important due to recent technological changes (such as contributing effectively to group projects and the ability to take advantage of continuing education opportunities). Examines possible responses to these areas, focusing on the role of computers and on the mathematics curriculum. (JN)

Describes stochastic models. Discusses the rationale for stochastic analysis and modeling, and provides a master equation for the models with respect to chemical processes. Lists 29 references. (YP)

Describes the instructional strategies and activities used to illustrate the essential features of mathematical modeling to a group of infant and junior high school teachers. The intent was to involve the group with some number work, elementary algebra, and some simple work on arrangements by way of tree-diagrams. (JN)

The "word problem" is stated for a given collection. Facts regarding Dehn's Algorithm, definition of Thue systems, a rewriting system, lemmas and corollaries are provided. The situation is examined where the monoid presented by a finite Thue system is a group. (DC)

Presents algorithms for the simulation and motion display of the three basic kinematic devices: (1) four bar linkages; (2) the slider crank; and (3) the inverted slider crank mechanisms. The algorithms were implemented on a Commodore-VIC 20 microcomputer system with 6500 bytes of available memory. (Author/JN)

Discusses a single pattern formation mechanism that could underlie the wide variety of animal coat markings found in nature. Presents the results of a mathematical model for how these patterns may be generated in the course of embryonic development. (CW)

Demonstrating petroleum engineering concepts in undergraduate laboratories often requires expensive and time-consuming experiments. To eliminate these problems, a graphical simulation technique was developed for junior-level laboratories which illustrate vapor-liquid equilibrium and the use of mathematical modeling. A description of this…

Discusses the use of scaling test scores for an algebra class. Provides example data, several equations used in scaling, and graphs. (YP)

Discusses the use of mathematical modeling. Describes types, examples, and importance of mathematical models. (YP)

Outlines a possible framework for allowing teachers to explore how children learn mathematics. A mathematical modelling process and three domains, including content, process and pragmatic domain, are described. Twelve strategies for encouraging children to translate between the domains are suggested. (YP)

Presents a mathematical metaphor for the birth and decline of historical eras. Identifies conditions necessary for transition from one era to the next. Argues that each era is characterized by sigmoidal growth that declines to saturation. Suggests that only synergetic, innovative people can open new areas and criteria to issue in a new era. (DK)

This document consists of seven chapters. The first chapter analyzes the modeling process and gives reasons for introducing a modeling approach in classrooms, arguing that students will develop more confident and positive attitudes toward mathematics. The next five chapters contain case studies, which focus, respectively on: whether it is more…