Presents examples of physics as applied to the sport of skiing. Examples examine the physics of sliding, unweighting, ski turning, wind resistance, the parabolic and circular motion of aerial skiers, and the aerial maneuvers of ski jumpers. (MDH)

Illustrates various methods to determine the perimeter and area of triangles and polygons formed on the geoboard. Methods utilize algebraic techniques, trigonometry, geometric theorems, and analytic geometry to solve problems and connect a variety of mathematical concepts. (MDH)

Presents methods for teaching two mathematical concepts that utilize visualization. The first illustrates a visual approach to developing the formula for the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence. The second develops the relationship between the slopes of perpendicular lines by performing a rotation of the coordinate axes and examining the…

Suggests structured investigations as a method of teaching mathematics to preservice elementary school teacher. Presents an example problem that asks students to determine the maximum number of regions that can be created by connecting any two points around the circumference of a circle. (MDH)

Discusses the rate of fall of a wooden beam or a chimney by examining the fall of a highway lamp pole when it is sheered off at its base upon impact by a vehicle. Provides the mathematical formulas to explain and an experiment to illustrate the phenomenon. (MDH)

Discusses the mathematical model presented by Vito Volterra to describe the dynamics of population density. Discusses the predator prey relationship, presents an computer simulated model from marine life involving sharks and mackerels, and discusses ecological chaos. (MDH)

Examines the problem of aging of books in university libraries and presents a mathematical model of the aging process. Indexes for the aging time limit, over-age book rate, and aging rate are suggested; use of the mean unit price is considered; and countermeasures for control of the aging process are proposed. (four references) (MES)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate Charles's Law of Ideal Gases by creating a constant-pressure thermometer from materials that can be found in the kitchen. Discusses the underlying mathematical relationships and a step-by-step description of the experiment. (MDH)

Discusses the essential electrical characteristics of a particular model of soldering gun. Presents four classroom demonstrations that utilize the soldering gun to test the following geometrics of wire loops as electromagnets: (1) the original tip; (2) a single circular loop; (3) a Helmholtz coil; and (4) the solenoid. (MDH)

New Jersey abandoned formula funding of higher education in favor of incentive funding combined with base budgeting. State institutions receive basic operating funds and compete for extra monies by planning initiatives for problems on which state leaders want more action. Incentive funding has cost little and improved quality noticeably. (MSE)

Described is a programing application of the software, Mathematica, which allows students to explore the various cases involved in minimizing the sum of squares for the best fit of a regression line. Several examples are included with appropriate software commands. (JJK)

Describes an approach to the design and implementation of an information retrieval system capable of providing an optimal search for each individual user based on the properties of information need. An algorithm is proposed for organizing optimal search in the systems realizing SDI (selective dissemination of information). (Author/LRW)

Discussion of guaranteed college tuition programs first explores their origins and reasons for continuing high inflation rates for tuition. The relationship between tuition increase and enrollment is examined, and many current guaranteed tuition plans are reviewed. Basic considerations in developing a model for a multiyear plan are outlined and a…

Four ways to calculate students' net cost of attending college are presented, and merits and drawbacks of each are discussed. Results suggest college remains affordable for most students, and that students have ways to further reduce their net cost. Results also suggest that financial aid programs have had some success in providing access to…

Describes the refinement of a conception in the domain of linear functions. Examples show how students refine their use of the x-intercept in equations of the form "y=mx+b" by narrowing problem contexts, making connections between conceptions, using a mathematical procedure, and refining verbal descriptions. Resources that teachers can draw on to…