A simple problem relating to birds chasing each other gives rise to a homogeneous differential equation. The solution draws on student skills in differential equations and basic co-ordinate geometry.

Some examples from different areas of mathematics are explored to give a working knowledge of the computer algebra system Maple. Perfect numbers and Mersenne primes, which have fascinated people for a very long time and continue to do so, are studied using Maple and some questions are posed that still await answers.

In this work, the authors present a commonly used example in electrostatics that could be solved exactly in a conventional manner, yet expressed in a compact form, and simultaneously work out special cases using the method of images. Then, by plotting the potentials and electric fields obtained from these two methods, the authors demonstrate that…

This document presents the executive summary of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1992 mathematics assessment. It included nearly 250,000 fourth, eighth, and twelfth grade students attending approximately 10,000 schools across the United States. The results from the assessment indicate that student performance is improving…

This article presents two classroom episodes in which students were exposed to the value of asking questions and to the different roles played by proof in mathematics. The conversation in the two episodes is outlined in the article. The setting was a classroom of fifteen good high-school students, who were studying calculus. These episodes…

This work extends the theory of the fixed charge transportation problem (FCTP), currently based mostly on a forty-year-old publication by Hirsch and Danzig. This paper presents novel properties that need to be considered by those using existing, or those developing new methods for optimizing FCTP. It also defines the problem in an easier way,…

A point "E" inside a triangle "ABC" can be coordinatized by the areas of the triangles "EBC," "ECA," and "EAB." These are called the barycentric coordinates of "E." It can also be coordinatized using the six segments into which the cevians through "E" divide the sides of "ABC," or the six angles into which the cevians through "E" divide the angles…

"Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators" is the authoritative source for accurate information on the state of education around the world. It provides data on the output of educational institutions; the impact of learning across countries; the financial and human resources invested in education; access, participation and progression in…

In 2006, more than 6 million individuals were victimized by violent crimes. Although violence is below levels of the early 1990s, it remains high. The extent of violence and its impact highlight a critical need to develop and implement effective programs to reduce violence and victimization. Communities have initiated a wide range of such…

MathWings is the mathematics program of the Success for All Foundation, a non-profit organization that develops and disseminates school reform programs originally developed at Johns Hopkins University. MathWings, based on NCTM standards, emphasizes the use of cooperative learning, problem solving, and metacognitive strategies to help all children …

Problem-based learning architecture typically involves a shift in three loci of educational preoccupation, namely (1) content coverage to problem engagement; (2) role of lecturing to role of coaching; and (3) students as passive learners to that of active problem-solvers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the issues of students' experiences…

Using the schools to achieve racial balance, eliminate poverty, fight drug abuse, prevent pregnancy, and reduce youth suicide is too large a task. Teachers and principals should address educational issues, not unmet social needs. To improve the educational performance of the schools, the quality of life for youth must first be improved. (MSE)

This study measures inmates' perceptions of conditions in a metropolitan detention center. Results indicate that educational programs can reduce the problems associated with crowded conditions. Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between participation in educational programs and more positive feelings of inmates, along with a…

This paper reports on a nationwide, random telephone survey conducted with parents and teachers of children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The survey measured parents' and teachers': (1) interest in and attitudes toward science; (2) comfort level teaching and talking about science; (3) use of hands-on science activities and teaching methods;…

Presents the complete Applesoft listing of a traditional adventure program. The unique feature of the program is the incorporation of mathematics word problems into the adventure. Students aged 10 and up should be able to solve these problems with little or no effort. (JN)