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Mathematical modelling has often been emphasized at the secondary level, but more research is needed at the elementary level. This paper serves to summarize what is known about elementary mathematical modelling to guide future research. A targeted and general literature search was conducted and studies were summarized based on five categories: content of mathematical modelling intervention, assessment data collected, unit of analysis studied, population, and effectiveness. It was found that there were three main units of analysis into which the studies could be categorized: representational and conceptual competence, models created, and student beliefs. The main findings from each of these units of analysis are discussed along with future research that is needed.

This paper presents the results of a literature review focusing on the use and potential of Fermi problems (FPs) in the STEM disciplines. We identify different usages and roles given to FPs in each of the STEM disciplines and highlight their potential to promote modeling of real phenomena and situations as well as learning about the estimation of quantities. Modeling is found to be at the heart of integrating the different STEM disciplines and estimation is a key facilitator that enables students to tackle complex situations and content in all disciplines. The results of the review are discussed in terms of the potential and possibilities of FPs to support the development of twenty-first century competencies in the STEM disciplines.

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