Directors Mark H. Holmes, Mathematics Chair Robert L. Spilker, Biomedical Engineering Chair Kenneth S. Manning, Links Technical Manager

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Funded through

Mathematical Sciences and Their Applications Throughout the Curriculum: an NSF Initiative

OVERVIEW

Build a library of interactive learning materials

Emphasize connections between Mathematics and Applied Sciences

Fit into existing courses rather than creating new courses

Target the Studio/Workshop styles of teaching

WWW-based distribution

OBJECTIVES

Promote student learning in mathematics, engineering, and science by focusing on the links between these fields

Encourage interactive teaching and learning strategies that use a variety of proven tools

Interactive Java and Director applets Paper and pencil Collaboration Textbooks

OBJECTIVES

Promote student learning in mathematics, engineering, and science by focusing on the links between these fields

Encourage interactive teaching and learning strategies that use a variety of proven tools

Create a library of hypertext modules that link topics in math with contemporary applications in science and engineering

Establish criteria and methods for assessing the success of these modules

Support other such efforts with workshops

PARTICIPANTS

Content Developers Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (~ 40 modules) Hudson Valley Community College (5 modules)

University of Delaware (2 modules)

Siena (2 modules)

Virginia Tech (1 module)

Evaluation Team The Evaluation Consortium, University of Albany University of Maryland

Technical Support Staff

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor Sequential Batch Reactions Boundary Value Problems Electricity & Magnetism Mechanical Oscillations Current & Resistance Lake Pollution Mass Transport

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations

Advanced Math Methods Faraday’s Law & Induction Flux & Surface Integration Constrained Optimization Maxwell’s Equations Ampere’s Law Electric Field Fourier Series Gauss’s Law Magnetic Field

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations

Advanced Math Methods

Calculus

Chemical Kinetics & Equilibria Drag Forces on Solid Objects Electrostatic Field & Potential Curvature & Curve Design Heat Conduction The Gradient

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations

Advanced Math Methods

Calculus

Probability & Statistics Poisson & Exponential Distributions Continuous Random Variables Random Variable Relations Conditional Probability Means & Variances Inventory Control

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations

Advanced Math Methods

Calculus

Probability & Statistics

Discrete Mathematics Graph Theory

Industrial Drilling Sperner’s Lemma Networking Chemistry

6 MAIN MATH SUBJECT AREAS

Differential Equations

Advanced Math Methods

Calculus

Probability & Statistics

Discrete Mathematics

Linear Systems Crystallography Matrix Kit Bicycle

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Multiple Spring Mass System

Nonlinear Pendulum

Forced Spring Mass

Linear Pendulum

Spring Pendulum

Vibrating Strings

Fourier Series

Spring Mass

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics

Poisson and Exponential Distributions

Continuous Random Variables

Random Variable Relations

Conditional Probability

Means and Variances

Inventory Control

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics Electricity & Magnetism

Electrostatic Field and Potential

Faraday's Law and Induction

Electromagnetic Oscillations

Resistance & Capacitance

Electric Field

Ampere's Law

Gauss's Law

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics Electricity & Magnetism Transport Phenomena

Chemical Kinetics and Equilibria Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor Drag Forces on Solid Objects Flux and Surface Integration Sequential Batch Reactions Heat Conduction Mass Transport Lake Pollution The Gradient

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics Electricity & Magnetism Transport Phenomena Linear Systems

Crystallography Matrix Kit Bicycle

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics Electricity & Magnetism Transport Phenomena Linear Systems System Design

Boundary Value Problems for ODEs

Curvature and Curve Design Constrained Optimization

7 MAIN APPLIED TOPICS AREAS

Mechanical Oscillations Probability & Statistics Electricity & Magnetism Transport Phenomena Linear Systems System Design Graph Theory

Industrial Drilling Sperner's Lemma Networking Chemistry

SAMPLE MODULES

Drag Forces on Solid Objects

from Calculus / Transport Phenomena Means & Variances

from Probability & Statistics Vibrating Strings

from Diff Eq / Mechanical Osc Electric Field

from Adv Math Methods / E & M Networking

from Discrete Math / Graph Theory Bicycle

from Linear Systems

QUESTIONS

What courses use these modules? Primarily math, science, and engineering ~ 25% upper class / graduate level courses

Where is the student during use? In a studio class, workshop, or computer lab A professor, instructor, and/or a TA is available

What is the typical time frame for use? One to three class periods, as needed

How many are used per course? As few as one, as many as desired

How will Project Links be disseminated? Web-based distribution

MODULE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Content Experts One Math Professor

One Applied Topics Professor

Graduate Students (RAs)

Technical Manager Web Site Management

Programming Support

Educational Learning Theorists The Evaluation Consortium,

University of Albany

The Ideal Development Team

REVIEWS & EVALUATION

In-house Alpha & Beta Testing

Educational Expert Review Classroom Observation

Educational Technology Assessment

Student Usability Testing

External Content Review

Documentation Users Manuals

Metadata

PROJECT LINKS

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

http://links.math.rpi.edu/