On the Use of Realistic Fermi Problems in Introducing Mathematical. Modelling in Upper Secondary Mathematics

This paper reports on a study aiming to investigate the possible potential of using Fermi problems to introduce mathematical modelling to Swedish upper secondary school students. Three groups of students- work on realistic Fermi problems were 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 the problem solving processes of the groups. 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.