Home Heating Mathematics

In nearly every school district, reforms in science and mathematics education are underway. Two common Threads in these reforms are increased emphasis on problem solving and real-world applications. Yet, many teachers Ask where these real-world applications will come from? This paper (HOME HEATING MATHEMATICS) provides an application in one particular area, that of home heating. We discuss the mathematics behind a thermostat and provide equations that allow computation of temperature changes within a home. Sample problems are given, as well as suggestions for further study.