A model for car following on a closed loop is defined. The stability of the solutions of the model is investigated by considering the evolution of the roots of the corresponding characteristic equation in the complex plane. The solution provides a motivation for investigating the behaviour of the roots of a simple class of algebraic equation.…

It has been observed that students react in similar ways to mathematics and science tasks that differ with regard either to their content area and/or to the type of reasoning required, but share some common, external features. Based on these observations, the Intuitive Rules Theory was proposed. In this present study the framework of this theory…

This note considers the four classes of orthogonal polynomials--Chebyshev, Hermite, Laguerre, Legendre--and investigates the Gibbs phenomenon at a jump discontinuity for the corresponding orthogonal polynomial series expansions. The perhaps unexpected thing is that the Gibbs constant that arises for each class of polynomials appears to be the same…

The great interest aroused by the incorporation of Statistics and Probability into curricular projects has been accompanied by considerable evidence of significant difficulties in the meaningful learning and application of the concepts. These difficulties have been the subject of many studies, mostly concerning secondary school students. This…

This article describes the experiences gained from a seminar in the teaching of mathematical reasoning and problem solving designed to prepare in-service high school mathematics teachers to teach genuine mathematical activity in a computer-based environment. Presented with a set of unfamiliar tasks and activities, the participants were encouraged…

In this paper, results of a questionnaire about continuity of functions are analysed. The tested students attend Novi Sad grammar school. The aim of this test was to check the student's theoretical and visual knowledge of continuous functions at the end of their high school education. The questions were given with and without the graphs of…

Presents the personal opinions of four educators on the question of whether educational research is worthwhile. (YDS)

Presents two projects in which students investigate (1) what things affect how far someone can throw a tennis ball?, and (2) is your mobile phone frying your brain? (YDS)

Provides information on a 5-year study that tracks children's ideas and attitudes toward science. Follows children's ideas using the topic of photosynthesis. (YDS)

Describes three opportunities to engage teachers in continuous, subject-specific, classroom-based professional development. (YDS)

Introduces a five-part program involving industry and technology cooperation in science education, including the curriculum-focused multi-site tour, general tours, teacher tours, and open days. (YDS)

Introduces a science days project run by the University of the West of England. Reports on student and teacher experiences. (YDS)

Explains the results of research on formative assessment which focuses on improving student learning. Presents a model for a targeted learning model and lists the components of the model. (YDS)

Introduces the Education for Sustainable Development project which is about learning the need to maintain and improve the quality of life for generations to come and focuses on environmental education. Discusses ways of using information and communications technology to study the environment. (ASK)

Presents the Researchers in Residence Bioscience scheme where bioscience and earth science Ph.D. students carry out a four-day placement in a high school to present scientific investigations to students. (YDS)