Describes the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM), a contest in which teams of three undergraduate students compete with other undergraduate teams from schools all over the world. Implements MCM at Eastern Oregon University and indicates that the MCM program promotes teamwork and generates enthusiasm in students. (Author/ASK)

Although data is often used to estimate parameters for models in calculus and differential equations, the models themselves are seldom justified. Uses the data itself to motivate mathematical models in introductory mathematics courses. Illustrates various regression and optimization techniques. (Author/ASK)

Students in a freshmen calculus course should become fluent in modeling physical phenomena represented by integrals, in particular geometric formulas for volumes and arc length and physical formulas for work. Describes how to train students to became fluent in such modeling and derivation of standard integral formulas. Indicates that these lessons…

Investigates issues of mathematics instruction of problems in blocks. Discusses the best way to construct mathematical problems with connections to one another as parts of a coherent whole and how to reflect on the types of connections that can arise between them. (Author/KHR)

Describes an experiment using applications and projects to motivate students in college algebra. Provides a few illustrative examples of the applications/projects used and shares some student comments. (Author/ASK)

Discusses a precalculus project in which students create a model United Nations to present and discuss the long-term prognosis for individual countries given data on population growth and food production. Students compare exponential and linear functions to determine whether starvation will occur and prepare oral and written presentations of their…

Presents the historical development of required undergraduate core mathematics courses. Suggests that a new core course--discrete dynamical modeling--is needed to prepare students for success in the information age. Contains 17 references. (Author/ASK)

Describes the outcomes of an intensive one-month mathematical modeling course and the use of posters in peer assessment of student work. (Author/ASK)

Summarizes an interdisciplinary undergraduate research project involving experimental physics and calculus and illustrates how mathematics was used to finesse incomplete experimental information and maximize physical quantity known as jerk. Describes how calculus can be applied in the "real world" where functions are not always given by nice…

Discusses the importance of history and original sources in motivating students to learn content. Describes how a simple question led to a fascinating quest through primary sources. Claims that once collected, these sources proved to be a treasure trove of material illuminating mathematics and mathematicians in an historical context. Contains 18…

Discusses the value of student-designed, in-depth, modeling projects in a differential equations course and how to prepare students. Provides excerpts from worksheets, a list of computer software for Macintosh that can be used in teaching differential equations, and an annotated bibliography. (Author/ASK)

Describes a rich, investigative approach to multivariable calculus. Introduces a project in which students construct physical models of surfaces that represent real-life applications of their choice. The models, along with student-selected datasets, serve as vehicles to study most of the concepts of the course from both continuous and discrete…

Describes a successful course in mathematical biology at Dartmouth College. The course targets premedical students and biology majors rather than mathematics majors, and requires only one semester of calculus as prerequisite. Real world problems form the basis of student work. (Author/KHR)

Discusses how applications from microbiology and sociology can be used to involve students. Presents a physical context for critical concepts in a first-semester calculus course. (Author/ASK)

A major cause of the difficulty undergraduate mathematics majors have with the transition from elementary to advanced mathematics courses is that advanced courses require students to understand how mathematics is created. Describes a course whose main purpose is to introduce students to the creative process in mathematics. The course consists of…