A
Mathematical Modeling Program for Undergraduates in Science, Mathematics,
Engineering and Technology
National Science Foundation Award #:0126650
Project
Summary
The objective of this
proposal is the development of innovative educational materials that
incorporate a novel educational approach and perspective to enhance the
teaching and learning of mathematics for the purposes of knowledge discovery. The general undergraduate educated with
these materials will possess a readily applicable toolbox of mathematical ideas
for quantifying real world problems as well as problem solving skills, and
possibly the most importantly, the ability to interpret results and further
understanding.
Two
new educational products (drafts of textbooks) --a basic theory text as well as
an advanced applications text--will be developed and "proof of
concept" tested during the course of this proposal. The texts will be pilot tested at Colorado
State University during the course of development and will incorporate a
fundamentally new approach to modeling through general mathematical principles
rather than ad hoc lists of methods and techniques. These methods will be demonstrated within the context of on-going
state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research projects at Colorado State
University of general national interest.
(Such an approach will have the added advantage of broadening students
perspectives and appreciation for the nature of basic university
research.) To increase general
awareness of the teaching materials the proposers will establish and maintain a
website for communicating with students.
The
basic aim of the materials is to present an innovative approach to inform and
educate students about the power and importance of basic mathematics and
mathematical modeling in the process of knowledge discovery.