This exercise in mathematical modelling requires understanding of geometric progressions, inequalities, and absolutes. It presents a problem on credit creation in the banking system. (MNS)

The mathematics of an educational game commonly known as "Frogs" is analyzed to see different mathematical concepts imbedded in it. (MP)

Some activities designed around the Monte Carlo method of solving probability problems are described. The instructional applications of this method involve physical models or simple BASIC computer programs. (MP)

Three models to predict future world records for footraces are reviewed. The records for the mile run are presented with time and year given in linear, hyperbolic, and experiential relationships. (MP)

Presents student solutions to real-world problems that allow students to develop and defend their mathematical models of the situations. Elicits proofs and offers recommendations for the potential of real-world problems as contexts for proof. (KHR)

Proposes a word problem concerning placing students around triangular tables. Students must determine how to place the touching tables so that everyone can be seated. (KHR)

Guides students through the process of designing a window. Allows them to use technology and a variety of representations while maximizing and minimizing the dimensions based on cost and light. Includes activity sheets. (Author/NB)

Uses probability models in problem-solving activities based on an episode of the television show "Gunsmoke." (MKR)

Compares sixth-grade American students to three samples of (Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese) sixth-grade Asian students to determine if the well-documented mathematical achievement of students from these Asian nations might be due in part to a greater understanding of mathematical representations. Indicates that all Asian samples scored…

Recently we were presented with an interesting twist to the sliding ladder problem viewed in the related rates section of most calculus textbooks. Our problem concerning a sliding ladder that eventually hits the ground. At first, those attempting this problem fell into the calculus trap using only related rates. Previous work for this problem…

Mathematical models have become an important tool for understanding the control of eye movements during reading. Main goals of the development of the SWIFT model (R. Engbert, A. Longtin, & R. Kliegl, 2002) were to investigate the possibility of spatially distributed processing and to implement a general mechanism for all types of eye movements…

Mathematical modeling is explored as both problem posing and problem solving from two perspectives, that of the child and the teacher. Mathematical modeling provides rich learning experiences for elementary school children and their teachers.

Mathematical skills and reasoning and their applications are considered as forming one of the basic and essential areas of knowledge and experience that should be available to all Australian children. This collection of essays explaining problem solving in mathematics as an organizing theme for current and future curriculum development is a means…

Working in groups of three, seventh-grade students were video taped solving an applied mathematical problem. Audio tapes were made of each group discussing their session. Analysis focused on the first stage of Noddings (1984) model of problem solving for school mathematics: Creation of a representation. Some factors identified as impeding…

Characteristics of good problems for primary school children are described and illustrated in discussions of sample problems. A collection of problems meeting these criteria is presented and annotated, and the organization of the classroom for problem-solving activities is discussed. (SD)