Introduction to mathematical modelling in upper secondary school

Abstract

Mathematical models are extensively used in many fields of the modern society, even though they seem to be poorly explored in mathematics teaching at secondary school. In teaching practice, often a predefined mathematical model is presented, and students are asked to calculate the values of the variables involved in order to meet specific conditions. However, it is still questionable whether this approach actually helps the students understand the concept of mathematical model and its importance and efficiency as a mathematical tool.
This teaching experience encourages students to construct a descriptive mathematical model of a situation based on a competitive game in order to introduce the peculiarities of mathematical modelling. Although limited to a certain type of mathematical model, the experience highlights the fundamental steps for constructing any model. In particular, some attention is paid to ensuring that students become as autonomous as possible precisely in the construction of the model, so that they can develop a conscious and critical approach to mathematical modelling.