This document consists of three modules concerned with aspects of statistics. The first provides knowledge of the effect of imperfect correlation and random error on differences between means, and the reasons for the necessity of random allocation of objects to experimental and control conditions in scientific experimentation. The second unit…

This users' manual, intended for use with a Project Head Start teacher training notebook, describes the purpose, development and field testing of the training materials and suggests procedures for using the notebook as a resource in teacher training sessions. The training notebook to which the users' manual refers is based on 11 questions in the…

Using four activity sheets, students learn to identify fractions that are easy to use in estimation situations. (MNS)

An activity is described as an example of an application that draws on the behavior of current in electrical circuits to create a symbolic algebra. Five worksheets are included, with discussion of their use. (MNS)

A Norman window consists of a semi-circular section mounted surmounting a rectangular section. Modifications to a simple problem are presented that assume parts of the window are made with stained glass. The goal is to maximize the level of light transmission with a fixed perimeter. (MP)

The game of Yahtzee is analyzed to some extent through methods of elementary probability. Several different problems are posed, and these serve to illustrate both mathematical concerns and game play strategy. Solutions are provided to all questions at the conclusion and suggestions for further questions are presented. (MP)

Details of an instructor's attempt to solve a problem in combinatorics taken from a textbook used by some of his students are presented. It is felt the material raises a number of significant points about problem solving and mathematics. Teachers are encouraged to put themselves in such situations. (MP)

A brief introduction to the broad field of curve-fitting is provided to help explain the reasoning behind least-squares data fitting, and also to provide useful equations for two functional forms of interest in chemistry. Appendices give program examples written in Fortran and detail the method of Guggenheim. (MP)

A problem-posing approach is used to change a door problem that involves a linear hallway into one in which doors are in a circle. The new problem is noted to relate mathematically to concepts behind the spirograph. It is hoped the material will encourage teachers to use problem-posing. (MP)

The question is asked, "How many gifts in total were given in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song," and is shown to relate to several other problems. Most of the number patterns and partitions dealt with are viewed to be usable with students in junior and senior high school. (MP)

Two examples are given of ways traffic engineers estimate traffic flow. The first, Floating Car Method, involves some basic ideas and the notion of relative velocity. The second, Maximum Traffic Flow, is viewed to involve simple applications of calculus. The material provides insight into specialized applications of mathematics. (MP)

The beauty of discovering some simple yet elegant proof either to something new or to an already established fact is discussed. A combinatorial problem that deals with covering a checkerboard with dominoes is presented as a starting point for individual investigation of similar problems. (MP)

Organizational barriers to creativity are examined. It is noted that resistance to change is a major impediment to creative problem solving in most organizations. Understanding the barriers to change that exist is viewed to help people exercise and develop their creativity more fully and effectively. (MP)

Problem posters that focus on the use of information from a chart to find a solution are featured. One poster looks at the prices of picture postcards and is geared for grades one through three. The second poster, designed for levels four through eight, focuses on postage rates. (MP)

Examples of student-developed methods for dividing fractions and dividing and multiplying whole numbers are presented. Both are selected to show mathematical creativity in general mathematics students which would often be overlooked. (MP)