Study Problems For Middle School Students: A Teacher's Manual

Foreword
By Milton A. Buffington, P.E., Co-Leader

This book of math problems had its beginning in the development of an "Academy of Math and Engineering" at a school in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The thought was to make math and science more real to students by having them see the actual use of math in the solution of problems from real life presented by engineers in the classroom.  The engineer would demonstrate the actual use of math in developing a design which was a part of a student project.

A proposal regarding the academy concept was sent to the Foundation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  At this point the development of a book of actual problems based upon engineering concepts and experiences became a goal.  A team of four teachers and four engineers was formed, with support from ASME.  The engineers came from points between New York in the east and as far west as Arizona.  And the teachers ranged from New Jersey in the east to Salt Lake City in the west.

Meetings were held to determine the subject and scope of the problems for the book.   The educators took the engineering (math) part of the problems and added the information needed to let a teacher know how to handle each particular problem in the classroom.  These meetings took place in various parts of the country in order to expedite the preparation of the book.  What you see is the final product of the team.

The team anticipates that these problems will be used in classrooms to enhance students' learning of math.  It is also thought that practicing engineers can assist the teacher in presenting these problems to show students the value of math in real life.   We hope that you benefit from this effort.