Mass, Measurement, Materials, and Mathematical Modeling: The Nuts and Bolts of Extrapolation Ted...
description
Transcript of Mass, Measurement, Materials, and Mathematical Modeling: The Nuts and Bolts of Extrapolation Ted...
Mass, Measurement, Materials, and Mathematical Modeling:
The Nuts and Bolts of Extrapolation
Ted Chambers – Prince George’s Community CollegeScott Sinex - Prince George’s Community College
Josh Halpern – Howard University
Presented at ACS MARM, College Park, MD on 21 May 2011
First Semester Chemistry Activity• 24 Students - Worked in Groups of 4
• Group Interaction to Discover Underlying Concepts
Experience Gained• Graphing
• Data Analysis Using Excel
• Mathematical Modeling Using Excel
• Group Collaboration Using Google Docs
Pre-built into spreadsheet
Technique Used• Mass a Bolt with One through Five Nuts On It
• Determine Mathematical Model for the Data
• Extrapolate To “Zero Nuts” To Determine Bolt’s Mass
• Enter Data In Google Docs
• Group Collaboration - Discussion Based on Google Docs Data
• Explore Effect of Scatter in Data
• Explore Pitfalls of Extrapolation
Local Evaluation of Data Variation and
Extrapolation Pitfalls
Data Analysis
Examine Data Collaboratively Using
Google Docs
Examine Data Locally
Enter Data and Results In Google Docs
Excel Plot Of Bolt Mass With Various Number Of Nuts
Data With Linear Regression Line
Sharing Results Using Google Docs
• 6 Groups, Each Representing a Different Institution
• Enter Data In Google Docs Using a Form
• Examine Data in Real-time Using Google Docs Spreadsheet
• Collaborative Discussion Between Groups
• Use of Current Technology In a Collaborative Setting
Online Google Docs Data Entry Form
Link to form on spreadsheet
Google Docs Spreadsheet – Collaborative Discussion
Effect of Variation in Data Using Excel
Performed Locally – Not in Google Docs
• Random Variation in Mass
• Effect On Slope
• Effect on Goodness of Fit
• Density of materials (not discussed today)
Data With Random Variation Added
Possible PitfallExtrapolating Past Known Data Range
Students Provided Anonymous Feedback
Results of Ranking Questions
out of 5Instructions Clear and Unambiguous 4.33
Activity Was Informative About Extrapolation 4.38
Size of Work Groups Appropriate 4.54
Activity Rated as a Learning Experience 4.13
Activity Overall Rating 4.20
Students CommentsPositive Feedback
• Using Google Docs to Compare and Discuss Results• Using Excel for Modeling and Data Analysis• Working In Groups• Bringing Innovation to First Semester Chemistry Course• Using The Same Format to Look at Different Group’s Data
Suggestions and Negative Feedback• Activity Too Long (took 2.5 hours)• More Computers in Lab With Internet Connectivity
General Lab Activity Results• Good Discussion Within Groups
• Good Discussion Between Groups Using Google Docs
• Exploring Differences In Results
• Raised Awareness of Possible Pitfalls of Extrapolation
• Good Data Agreement Between Groups
Questions?
This work is supported by the Howard/Hopkins/PGCC Partnership for Research
and Education in Materials (PREM), funded by NSF Grant No. DMR-0611595
http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets/matsci_excelets.htm