Tech Prep Academics: Using Real Life Connections to Develop Scientific and Mathematical Literacy

Based upon the recommendations of professional organizations in science and mathematics education, children at K-6 levels need to be exposed to activities involving scientific methodology, the discovery of new knowledge and the integration of science and mathematics curricula. This study describes several distinct kinds of problem solving investigations identified from real life situations which can be adapted in intellectually honest ways for selected levels of the elementary school curriculum. The activities lend themselves to interactions with businesses and industries in the children's community and involve the children in a variety of non-traditional instructional activities such as oral presentations, small group collaborative efforts, and written reports. Finally, the investigations promote the integration of science and mathematics curricula and suggest the role curricula can play in the lives of children.     

Software Reviews

Super Vocab Machine Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: A Matter of Mystery That's Life: Human Body Exploration     

An Approximate Distribution for the Maximum Order Complexity

In this paper we give an approximate probability distribution for the maximum order complexity of a random binary sequence. This enables the development of statistical tests based on maximum order complexity for the testing of a binary sequence generator. These tests are analogous to those based on linear complexity.     

Algorithmic bias on observed hadronic jet properties

The biases introduced by the widely used geometric (‘cone’) jet—finding algorithms are investigated using a simple Monte—Carlo program in which the only free parameters are the multiplicity of calorimeter clusters and their average energy. The jet profiles, jet multiplicities and jet widths produced from the simulation are compared to those using real data. A jet finding algorithm which searches for a correlated jet signal is also examined.     

On the shearing zone around rotating vanes in plastic liquids: theory and experiment

The fracture zone (or shearing surface) around a four-bladed vane rotating in a Bingham liquid has a diameterD_c which is significantly larger than the vane diameter. In typical plastic liquidsD_c/D ≈ 1.00–1.05. We have measuredD_c and the rheology of some automotive greases. We have also photographed the fractural surface in a transparent Bingham liquid and have found it to be approximately cylindrical.Computer simulations of a four-bladed vane rotating in a Bingham liquid have produced a value ofD_c/D = 1.025 which agrees well with experimental data on two viscoelastic automotive greases. We have not been able to obtain agreement between experiment and theory on the dependence ofD_c/D on τ_y/η_p.The experimental and theoretical data presented here support the use of the vane for yield stress measurements if the diameter correction is applied. The present experimental data suggests the vane diameter has little or no effect onD_c/D.     

Shear band interactions with crystals in partially crystallised metallic glasses

The morphology of shear bands in two partially crystallised metallic glasses, Ni₈₀B₂₀ and Cu₅₀Zr₅₀, is deduced by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A number of different types of crystal/shear band interaction have been characterised, providing evidence both for the dilatational model of shear band deformation and for long range interactions between an operating shear band and a stress raiser in the amorphous matrix. Qualitative differences in the mechanical properties of the two partially crystallised glasses examined are rationalised in terms of the interactions observed.     

Total synthesis of (±)-desepoxy-4,5-didehybromethylenomycin A

The total synthesis of (±)-desepoxy-4,5-didehydromethylenomycin A employing a retrolactonization strategy has been achieved.