Techniques for applying mathematical concepts in the real world: six rarely taught but crucial tools for analysis, research, and problem-solving. Many young graduates leave school with a solid knowledge of mathematical concepts but struggle to apply these concepts in practice. Real scientific and engineering problems are different from those found…

Now in a fully updated second edition, "Unlocking Mathematics Teaching" is a comprehensive guide to teaching mathematics in the primary school. Combining theory and practice, selected experts outline the current context of mathematics education. They suggest strategies, activities and examples to help develop readers understanding and confidence…

The effectiveness of problem solving as a learning tool is often diminished because students typically use only an algorithmic approach to get to the answer. We discuss a way of encouraging students to reflect on the solution to their problem by requiring them--after they have arrived at their solution--to draw solution maps. A solution map…

This article shows how to use six parameters describing the International Space Station's orbit to predict when and in what part of the sky observers can look for the station as it passes over their location. The method requires only a good background in trigonometry and some familiarity with elementary vector and matrix operations. An included…

Advances in the biological sciences necessitate the training of chemical engineers to translate these fundamental discoveries into applications that will benefit society. Accordingly, Tulane University revised its core chemical engineering curriculum in 2005 to include a new introductory course in bioengineering and biotechnology for sophomores.…

Utilizes the problem of determining the number of different ice cream cones and cups that can be made from a choice of 31 flavors to investigate the concepts of combinations and permutations. Provides a set of six related problems with their answers. (MDH)

Four worksheets and teaching suggestions are presented, with the focus on mental computation for levels 2-3; factors, levels 3-4; and nonroutine problems, levels 5-6 and 7-8. (MNS)

Four worksheets are included, providing practice in estimation, computation, pattern recognition, and problem solving involving calculator use. (MNS)

The focus of this activities book is on using calculators to solve problems, as a way of promoting better comprehension in mathematics in the intermediate grades. Problems of various types are presented, ranging from those based on everyday life such as shopping, schedules, meal planning, and sports, to those involving imaginary ideas.…

This is a sample of the final test for students in mathematics at the sixth-grade level in Alberta (Canada) schools. The test contains multiple-choice items and is divided into two sections. Section 1 contains 55 items related to numeration, operations and properties, measurement, geometry graphing, and problem solving. Section 2 consists of five…

Reptiles are used as a theme on four worksheets for practicing skills in computation, measurement, comparison, reading, and problem solving. (MNS)

This document offers instructional materials for a 60-hour course on basic math operations involving decimals, fractions, and proportions as applied in the workplace. The course, part of a workplace literacy project developed by Mercer County Community College (New Jersey) and its partners, contains the following: course outline; 17 lesson…

This booklet designed for students in grades 4-8 provides 52 activities, including puzzles and problems. Activities range from simple to complex, giving learners practice in finding patterns, numeration, permutation, and problem solving. Calculators should be available, and students should be encouraged to discuss solutions with classmates,…

Ten activities that give learners in grades 5-8 a chance to explore mathematics with calculators are provided. The activity cards involve such topics as odd addends, magic squares, strange projects, and conjecturing rules. (MNS)

This test for third grade students in Alberta, Canada, consists of two sections. Section I is divided into two parts: Part A has 25 questions covering numeration, geometry, and graphing, and part B has 25 questions covering operations and properties, measurement, and problem-solving strategies. Section II consists of four basic-fact tests in…