GAMES TO TEACH MATHEMATICAL-MODELING

We discuss the use of in-class games to create realistic situations fo r mathematical modelling. Two games are presented which are appropriat e for use in post-calculus settings. The first game reproduces predato r-prey oscillations and the second game simulates disease propagation in a mixing population. When used creatively these games encourage stu dents to model realistic data and apply mathematical concepts to under standing the data.