In a September 1988 "NASSP Bulletin" article, the author challenged readers to construct a question analysis matrix for curriculum evaluation in relation to critical thinking and problem solving. The author's solution, featuring various "domains" or components categorized according to planning, implementation, and outcome stages, comprises this…

A sample of novel verbal problems which can be solved by using systems of linear equations with free variables is presented. The procedure of Gaussian elimination is used to solve the system. (KR)

Students were presented with the problem of finding all magic squares of order three. (SD)

Methods for solving logic puzzles which focus on thought-free procedures that facilitate solution are discussed. Two of the procedures noted pertain to the interior of any submatrix, whereas others span several submatrices. A puzzle is presented at the conclusion as an exercise for practicing the methods promoted. (MP)

An approach to how to expand explorations of determinants is detailed that allows evaluation of the fourth order. The method is built from a close examination of the product terms found in the expansions of second- and third-order determinants. Students are provided with an experience in basic mathematical investigation. (MP)

The last 13 of 32 exercises of a course designed to give a wide range of skills in deductive, inductive, and indirect methods of proof in geometry are presented. (MP)

Explains that primitive living structures furnish real-world problems that are solvable using mathematics and computer-modeling techniques. (KHR)

Abstract ideas in linear algebra are illustrated at different levels of difficulty through the investigation of the solution to a well-known puzzle. Matrices are used to model the puzzle and the concepts of rank, underdetermined systems, and consistency are employed in the solution to the problem. (MDH)

Counterintuitive moments in the classroom challenge common sense and practice and can be used to help mathematics students appreciate the need to explore, reflect, and reason. Proposed are four examples involving geometry, systems of equations, and matrices as counterintuitive instances. (MDH)

Cryptography is the science that renders data unintelligible to prevent its unauthorized disclosure or modification. Presents an application of matrices used in linear transformations to illustrate a cryptographic system. An example is provided. (17 references) (MDH)

Included in this column are Star Trek, a geometric construction problem; a simplified approach to correlation using scattergrams; a calculus problem concerning second derivatives for extreme values; and a note on integration by parts. (MNS)

This document consists of two modules. The first of these views applications of algebra and elementary calculus to curve fitting. The user is provided with information on how to: 1) construct scatter diagrams; 2) choose an appropriate function to fit specific data; 3) understand the underlying theory of least squares; 4) use a computer program to…

This paper describes a theoretical perspective in which teacher performance and classroom procedures in technology-based settings can be observed and compared. The paper uses as an example the Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Network (STACIN) Project, which implements a simulation-modeling software package as an analytic problem solving…