On the use of realistic fermi problems in introducing mathematical modelling in upper secondary mathematics

Abstract

This paper reports a study investigating potential uses of Fermi problems to introduce mathematical modelling to Swedish upper secondary school students. The work of three groups of students' is analysed using an analytic tool referred to as the "modelling activity diagram", adapted and developed by the author. It was observed that the processes involved in a mathematical modelling cycle were richly represented in groups' solution. The students also frequently used their personal extra-mathematical knowledge in the solving process in three different ways: a creative, a verifying and a social way. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.