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International Council for Science
Mathematical modelling
This booklet is primarily aimed at the mathematics teacher, but should also be of interest to teachers of science. It sets out a number of case studies suitable for mathematical modelling.
The book starts with an explanation of the mathematical modelling process then suggests specific areas of study which include:
Forecasting: the retail price index in which data is used to calculate the inflation rate and moving averages are used forecast future rates.
Handicapping: weightlifting in which a handicapping system is devised so the different weight categories can compete against each other.
Planning: train timetables in which distance time graphs are used to plan a viable train timetable given different constraints such as different speeds of different trains and where trains can overtake each other.
Predicting: population changes in which current data and formulae are used to predict future populations.
Estimating: attractiveness of competing shopping centres in which proportional change is used to estimate the number of trips to a shopping centre a shopper will make.
Decision Making: stocking magazines in which pay off tables are used to help decide stocking levels.
This resource is from the Co-operation between Science Teachers and Mathematics Teachers series produced by the ISCU Committee on the Teaching of Science.
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