We present noncompetitive adsorption as "particles in a box with one sticky wall." We start with a general model that can be modeled as a simple ordinary differential equation (ODE). To verify the ODE students run a computer simulation. The ODE's solution imperfectly fits the simulation's data. This leads to the diffusion partial…

The authors present a version of the Diamond-Mortensen-Pissarides model of unemployment that is accessible to undergraduates and preserve the dynamic structure of the original model. The model is solvable in closed form using basic algebra and admits a graphical representation useful for illustrating a variety of comparative statics. They show how…

Although professional organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) continue to push for the role of equity inside of mathematics classrooms, the need for culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) remains just as necessary today as it has for the last two decades. In this study, the authors share ways in which one…

Despite increasing college enrollment and growing diversity of the college student population, college completion rates are low. Many colleges are exploring ways to leverage technology to improve student retention and increase the educational options for and success of their diverse student bodies. Web-based course or learning management systems…

What if you could challenge your 11th graders to figure out the best response to a partial meltdown at a nuclear reactor in fictional Gammatown, USA? With this volume in the "STEM Road Map Curriculum Series," you can! "Radioactivity" outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while…

The compound microscope is an important tool in biology, and mastering it requires repetition. Unfortunately, introductory activities for students can be formulaic, and consequently, students are often unengaged and fail to develop the required experience to become proficient in microscopy. To engage students, increase repetition, and develop…

This design/problem-solving activity challenges students to design a replacement bridge for one that has been designated as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The Aycock MS Technology/STEM Magnet Program Virtual Bridge Design Challenge is an authentic introduction to the engineering design process. It is a socially relevant…

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving presents a challenge to teachers in many U.S. schools. Some students are absent because they are traveling to be with their extended families for the holiday. Other students, assuming that nothing important will happen at school when so many of their peers are absent, may also be absent. One school's solution to…

Involving two or more academic subjects, interdisciplinary studies aim to blend together broad perspectives, knowledge, skills, and epistemology in an educational setting. By focusing on topics or questions too broad for a single discipline to cover, these studies strive to draw connections between seemingly different fields. Cases on…

Investigates the problem of finding the expected number of questions necessary to identify 1 out of a set of 30 attribute blocks. Solutions include the use of a tree diagram or a computer simulation. Generalizes the problem for increased numbers of attributes. (MDH)

Games like "Civilization III," a strategy game that allows players to create civilizations that stand the test of time, are attracting increasing attention in the educational community for their potential to support learning. A recent article in BBC news observed that "using "Civilisation III" to teach students about history showed that it could…

An interactive computer program in microbial genetics is described. The simulation allows students to work at their own pace and develop understanding of microbial techniques as they choose donor bacterial strains, specify selective media, and interact with demonstration experiments. Sample questions and outputs are included. (DH)

Two methods for solving problems are presented, designed to help people overcome difficulties that often occur in the problem-solving process. One difficulty people have is in using their knowledge to reach the decisive solution idea. The proposed "method of description" for eliminating this difficulty is based on a directed enrichment of the…

Presented are two problems that can be solved using a computer simulation by students who have completed Algebra II. The distance and bisector formulas and the various forms of the equations of a circle and straight line are the topics. Computer program listings are included. (MNS)

How the microcomputer can be used to reinforce basic statistical concepts and techniques is presented. The methods for achieving this include specific statistical problems, projects, games, and simulations for use with microcomputers. (MNS)