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Gender Differences In Mathematics Achievement, Denise D'Antonio
Gender Differences In Mathematics Achievement, Denise D'Antonio
Honors Capstones
Current research on gender differences in mathematics achievement is summarized. A cross-cultural study of sex differences in attitudes towards mathematics (confidence, individuality and liking) and in attributional patterns in mathematics (ability, effort, task, environment/luck) included American sixth graders (n=155, m=70, f=85) and British 11-12 year olds (n=42, m=18, f=24). Comparisons based on responses to a two-part survey concerning sex of student, sex of teacher, nationality, and achievement level were made. Significant results were obtained in the following categories concerning attitudes about mathematics. American female students with a female teacher liked mathematics more than American female students with a male teacher …
Variables : What Are They And Why Are They Important?, Kathleen A. Gavin
Variables : What Are They And Why Are They Important?, Kathleen A. Gavin
Honors Capstones
As a student in MATH 412 last semester, I encountered literature that suggested Algebra I students’ difficulty with that subject stemmed from their misconceptions concerning the concept of variable. Indeed, the transition from junior high school to high school mathematics is challenging enough and these things that we call variables truly form the base from which the concepts of Algebra develop. A variable can be identified as a special type of mapping, from a set of objects onto a number system. This mapping is based upon the measurement of some characteristic of the objects. Frequently, a variable is not named …
Stacker : A Microworld For Algebra, Melissa Elli Hauser
Stacker : A Microworld For Algebra, Melissa Elli Hauser
Honors Capstones
Research has been done which shows students have difficulty bridging the gap between arithmetic and basic algebra. Often, students who are able to perform symbolic manipulations still have an inadequate understanding of the underlying concepts involved. Further research has shown that emphasizing the link between arithmetic and algebra aids students in acquiring these concepts. A microworld is a type of computer program which allows exploration within the confines of an environment which models a conceptual framework. Research suggests that this kind of exploration is especially conducive to internalization of the framework being modeled. “Stacker: A Microworld for Algebra,” pictorially models …
Fractal Geometry : Mathematics And Applications, Eileen Buckingham
Fractal Geometry : Mathematics And Applications, Eileen Buckingham
Honors Capstones
The first section, entitled “Introduction and Applications,” is self-descriptive. The paper begins by introducing and defining the new terms “fractals” and “fractal geometry.” At the same time, Benoit B. Mandelbrot is accredited for having developed this new field. The introduction is followed by simple examples. This section is completed with a number of practical applications involving a variety of sciences. Section 2 consists of the background mathematics necessary to understand the Mandelbrot set and the computer program illustrating it. To fully understand the section, some prior knowledge of complex analysis is necessary. Sections 3 and 4 are the program description …