In this paper are described some features of the intensive use of math software, primarily Derive, in the context of modeling in an introductory university course in differential equations. Different aspects are detailed: changes in the curriculum that includes not only course contents, but also the sequence of introduction to various topics and…

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) emphasize the use of models in science instruction by making it one of the five unifying concepts of science, applicable to all grade levels. The NSES recommend that models be a focus of instruction--helping students understand the use of evidence in science, make and test predictions, use logic, and…

Some single species and two species interactions in population models are presented to show how credible examples can be used to teach an underlying, common mathematical structure within apparently different concepts. The models examined consist of differential equations, and focus on real-world issues. (MP)

Explains an application of mathematical modeling within a school setting as well as progressive use of graphing calculators in mathematical modeling. Analyzes students' performances in the process of problem-solving using the problem of baton-passing in relay races. Discusses students' use of their mathematical knowledge and ideas when they used…

Interviews Grade 4 children (n=36) to find how they interpret the angles implicit in six realistic models. Proposes a framework for further research on the development of children's angle concepts based on the results of this study and others. Contains 21 references. (Author/ASK)

Presents a methodology for teaching mathematical modeling skills to A-level students. Gives an example illustrating how mathematics teachers and design teachers can take joint perspective in devising learning opportunities that develop mathematical and design skills concurrently. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/ASK)

Presents a physics lab activity in which students determine if an electrode configuration simulates a section of concentric cylinders or concentric spheres. (WRM)

This paper deals with a teaching approach aimed to help students become aware of targeted techniques of significance in problem solving. The teaching approach is to present a series of tasks that all can be solved by applying the same technique. Two levels of prompting are used; first for the students to realize solutions without necessarily being…

This article presents a short method for computation of the doubling period of a population at a fixed rate of annual increase. (Author)

Presents some problems for quantum chemistry courses based upon model pseudopotentials. Also includes some useful formulas and tables of parameters associated with these problems. (HM)

Suggestions for teaching problem solving which include the use of general models, variation of illustrations and terminology, and diagrams are illustrated for comparison multiplication word problems. (MN)

An approach is illustrated that introduces selected models of addition and subtraction to students who have previously learned a model for either operation. (JT)

The activity uses an area model to analyze probabilities associated with games of chance. Three activity sheets are included, with teaching suggestions. (MNS)

It is recommended that the significance test of treatment effects in analysis of covariance be conceptualized, not as an analysis of residuals, but as a comparison of models whose parameters are estimated by the principle of least squares. (Author/LMO)