Presents an activity that utilizes the mathematical models of forest fires and oil spills that were generated (in the first part of this activity, published in the November 1998 issue) by students using probability and cellular automata. (ASK)

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)

Provides a brief synopsis of the development of the National Fire Danger Rating System along with an explanation of how it works and possible ways to use it in a modeling or problem-solving unit in a secondary mathematics classroom. (ASK)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)

Employs event-history modeling to examine temporal dimensions of student departure from a large research university. Asian students are less likely to depart in year 1 than Whites. African-Americans are more likely to leave during junior and senior years. Dynamic models may presage sound dropout-intervention strategies. (54 references) (MLH)

Uses aquarium and computer mirages to explain natural mirages caused by severe temperature inversions and appropriate topography. (WRM)

Describes an exploratory teaching experiment carried out to test the hypothesis that it is feasible to develop a disposition toward more realistic mathematical modeling in pupils. The learning and transfer effects of an experimental class of 10- and 11-year-old students that were compared to the results of two control groups support this…

Examines investment and consumption features of the demand for medical education, using medical application data over the 1948 to 1994 time period. Examines a variant of a pure human capital (investment) model and a model augmented by consumption and demographic variables, using medical education data. A static human capital model best forecasts…

Summarizes an interdisciplinary undergraduate research project involving experimental physics and calculus and illustrates how mathematics was used to finesse incomplete experimental information and maximize physical quantity known as jerk. Describes how calculus can be applied in the "real world" where functions are not always given by nice…

Explaining that grade inflation may result from the professor's competition for favorable student evaluations, asserts that the Theory of Games could be useful for analyzing interactions among professors and their impact on the number of students attracted to their courses. Presents a model based on these assumptions and analyzes policy-relevant…

A study of selected districts in 18 states concluded that economies of scale consistently and significantly influence how educational resources are allocated among schools. District size figures significantly in inequalities present within districts. Equalizing both school and district size is essential for achieving equitable distribution…

Random regression models were used to investigate the role of initial severity in the outcome of four treatments for major depression: cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, imipramine plus clinical management, and placebo plus clinical management. Initial severity of depression and impairment of functioning significantly…

Demand for Pell Grant financial aid has become difficult to predict when using the current microsimulation model. This paper proposes an alternative model that uses aggregate data (based on individuals' microlevel decisions and macrodata on family incomes, college costs, and opportunity wages) and avoids some limitations of simple linear models.…

Presents an activity on linear functions that is designed to help students become familiar with the graphs, equations, and tables of these functions while focusing on issues related to cost, revenue, and profit. (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)