In three experiments involving sets containing from 2z to 19 objects, preschool children gave the last counted word as the answer to the question "How many objects are there?" The relationship between children's answering with the last counted word to a how-many question and counting accurately varied with set size. (Author/RH)

Presents a microcomputer program (designed for Apple II but it can be modified) used to calculate various dimensions relative to a spur gear. Basic terms are identified and a program listing for gear calculations is included. (CT)

Analyzes the computational complexity of optimal binary tree pruning for tree-structured vector quantization. Topics discussed include the combinatorial nature of the optimization problem; the complexity of optimal tree pruning; and finding a minimal size pruned tree. (11 references) (LRW)

Discusses pervasive, or ubiquitous, computing; explains the notion of context; and defines context-aware computing as the key to disperse and enmesh computation into our lives. Considers context awareness in human-computer interaction and describes the broad topic areas of the essays included in this special issue. (LRW)

Tested whether tonic EEG power is related to memory performance by analyzing ongoing EEG for 60 subjects in 5 experimental conditions. Subjects with good memory performance had significantly larger upper alpha power, but less theta and lower alpha power. Also discusses findings for subjects good at calculation. (SLD)

Studied the calculating ability used by a low IQ savant to identify prime numbers in two experiments comparing him to control subjects, one involving reaction time and the other involving inspection time. Concludes that this individual uses a complex computational algorithm to identify primes and discusses the apparent contradiction of his low IQ.…

This book is a solid introduction to applied statistics emphasizing computational statistics that can be done with a simple calculator. Because of the progress in speed and power of computers since the first edition in the 1970s, the book is behind in giving information on practical computation. (SLD)

Mathematics is a uniquely human capacity. Studies of animals and human infants reveal, however, that this capacity builds on language-independent mechanisms for quantifying small numbers ([less than] 4) precisely and large numbers approximately. It is unclear whether animals and human infants can spontaneously tap mechanisms for quantifying large…

As part of the discussion about Newton's work in a history of mathematics course, one of the presentations calculated the amount of energy necessary to send a projectile into deep space. Afterwards, the students asked for a recalculation with two changes: First the launch under study consisted of a single stage, but the students desired to…

In the present study, the authors investigated the initial development of the Early Expository Comprehension Assessment (EECA) by examining its reliability. The EECA consists of a compare/contrast passage, manipulatives to represent the information in the paragraph, and three response tasks ("Retelling, Mapping, and Comparing"). The authors…

Campbell's rule for estimating entropy changes is discussed in relation to an earlier article by Norman Craig, where it was proposed that the approximate value of the entropy of reaction was related to net moles of gas consumed or generated. It was seen that the average for Campbell's data set was lower than that for Craig's data set and…

The preliminary findings resulting when invented algorithm is used with entry-level students while introducing linear equations is described. As calculations are accessible, the algorithm is preferable to more rigorous statistical procedures in entry-level classrooms.

Range-based estimation is used when working with young children in two distinct mathematical environments, which are the Family Math environment and the classroom setting. The types of estimation activities discussed help students of different ages develop a sense of number, size, and quantity.