Math Modeling

Written for high school students who have some experience with computation and an interest in math modeling, this handbook is designed to take you from basic graphic calculator or spreadsheet experience to the next level, which includes programming basics, working with large data sets, and visualization techniques. The handbook is also written for teachers who will assist students as they incorporate software into the math modeling process. This companion volume to Math Modeling: Getting Started and Getting Solutions (SIAM, 2014) takes you beyond the basic process of mathematical modeling to technical computing using software platforms and coding.

Math modeling is the process that uses mathematics to represent, analyze, make predictions, or otherwise provide insight into real-world phenomena. The authors Bliss, Galluzzo, Kavanagh, and Levy are experienced professional practitioners of modeling. They provide professional development for teachers, have developed and judge modeling contests, and teach modeling in their own classrooms.

Topics include computations, statistics, visualization, programming, and simulation. Primary examples recur throughout the handbook to show multiple ways technology can help tackle the same problem. A separate section, Choosing Your Tech Tool, and an appendix that shares a collection of “best practices” when writing code offer more good advice for readers. References are included.