Course Syllabus
MATH 510 – Selected Topics in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
Mathematical Modeling
Summer 2017
M/Tu/Th 9:00-11:45 am (Daniels 222)
Instructor: Dr. Emily Thrasher
Office: Poe Hall 502 suite
E-mail:
Office Hours: By appointment.
Course Description: Coverage of various topics in mathematics of concern to secondary teachers. Topics selected from areas such as mathematics of finance, probability, statistics, linear programming and theory of games, intuitive topology, recreational math, computers and applications of mathematics. Course may be taken for graduate credit for certification renewal by secondary school teachers. Credit towards a graduate degree may be allowed only for students in mathematics education.
This version of MA510 will focus on modeling. A major focus of the Common Core High School Standards, mathematical modeling is the description of a system or phenomenon using mathematical symbols, notation, and language. This course will engage students in solving a variety of application problems using mathematics concepts from algebra, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. Creating a mathematical model is often a collaborative process and requires patience, persistence, creativity, communication, interpretation, and reflection. Technological aids can increase computation efficiency. Modeling also requires synthesis of a variety of concepts from across disciplines. We will investigate problems from biology, physics, medicine, civil engineering, and other disciplines. Hopefully, along the way, you will consider how you might use and adapt many of these problems for your own students.
This course is worth 3 credits.
Supplies Needed: A laptop computer with access to spreadsheet software and the ability to download software packages (free or trials only). Additional information will be provided in class. Access to Google Docs or other file sharing services is strongly encouraged.
TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator (or other compatible graphing calculator).
Moodle will be used for course announcements, assignments, and handouts.
Plenty of paper and pencils.
Student Outcomes: Create a variety of mathematical models using a variety of modeling techniques and mathematical concepts.
Gain confidence in modeling techniques.
Work collaboratively with your classmates to create models and find and defend solutions.
Communicate clearly and confidently about models and solutions.
Academic Integrity: In keeping with NCSU's policy on Academic Integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct, students are expected to be the sole contributor to work bearing their name, except where group projects have been assigned. Students are expected to follow the University's honor code. Please see the website.
http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/osc/academic_integrity/academic_resources.php
Accommodations: If you have a disability that may affect your participation in thisclass,please see me so that reasonable accommodations can be discussed. You may also contact the NCSU Disability Services for Students regarding campus services in room 2000 Harris Hall. Please see the website.
http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/
Requirements: The members of this class should become a community of professionals in which you are expected to attendall classesunless you have an excused absence. You should be prompt in meeting all obligations, satisfactorily complete all assignments, and act responsibly and professionally in this course. You should come to class prepared, ready to share yourthoughts and questions, and to encourage others to do so as well.Five (5) pointswill be deducted from the final grade for each unexcused absence from class. If you find you need to miss a class, you must discuss this with me in advance.
No late work will be accepted(unless prior permission is granted by the instructor).
In order to accomplish the outcomes of this course, the learner is required to:
· Attend all classes. The majority of work will be completed in teams. If an absence is unavoidable, you are expected to communicate with your team and continue contributing to the work of the group remotely as you are able.
· Participate positively in class activities. Collaborate with your classmates, and support their learning.
· Take intellectual risks. Step out of your comfort zone, and be willing to try new things.
· Complete all class assignments to the best of your ability.
· Turn off all cell phones and any other distracting devices.
Grading Policies: For students who are used to traditional quizzes and tests, this class will feel very different. Modeling is more about process than product. It is about effectively communicating your conclusions and interpretations and defending them rather than simply stating an answer. It is about collaborating and incorporating a variety of approaches and perspectives. Aside from a few small quizzes on content needed for modeling, your final grade will be primarily based on your written and presented models/solutions.
Major Assignments 40%
Quizzes 10%
Reflective Assignments 20%
Active Engagement (Classwork/daily homework) 10%
Final Investigation & Presentation 20%
Grading Scale: Final grades will be determined based on the following grading scale:
A+ 100-98
A 97-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-88
B 87-82
B- 81-80
C+ 79-78
C 77-72
C- 71-70
D 69-60
F 60-0
TENTATIVE Schedule: This outline will be adjusted as needed.
Class Number / Date / Content / Possible Problems / Assessments (except nightly homework)1 / M, June 26 / What is Modeling?
Modeling Data
Focus on Functions. / Midge
2 / Tu, June 27 / Modeling Linear Data & Evaluating Models: Median-Median Line, Linear Regression, Residual Analysis / Chicago Bulls
Migraine Study
Pendulum
Ticket Problem
Heart Catheter / Reflective Assignment 1: Heart Catheter- due Th June 29
3 / Th, June 29 / Modeling Non-Linear Data & Determining the True Nature of Data: Re-expression & Linearization / Pendulum
Tree
Tire Sales
NBA Salaries / Reflective assignment 1: Heart Catheter- due today!
4 / M, July 3 / Wrap Up Non-Linear Data
Pair Modeling Problem / Mantid / Major Assignment 1: Mantid Problem – due M, July 10
5 / Th, July 6 / Work on Mantid
More Non-Linear Data
Quiz / Quiz 1: Data Analysis Techniques and Functions today.
6 / M, July 10 / Modeling in Precalculus using Recursion and Technology Aids / Cane Toads
Investments/Loans
Tim & Tom / Major Assignment 1: Mantid Assignment due today!
Reflective Assignment 2: Tim and Tom due Th July 13.
7 / Tu, July 11 / More Modeling in Precalculus: Recursion, Algebra, and Trigonometry / Pass the Candy
Boat Draft / Major Assignment 2: Boat Draft due Tu, July 18.
8 / Th, July 13 / Modeling in Precalculus: Team/Class Modeling Projects / Mauna Loa CO2
Free Throws / Reflective Assignment 2: Tim and Tom due today!
9 / M, July 17 / Modeling with Parametric Equations / Hat
Mars Rover
Swing Lab
Ferris Wheel / Reflective Assignment 3: Air Traffic Controller due Th July 20.
10 / Tu, July 18 / Calculus and Optimization / Subway
Traffic Flow
Foraging (Bees) / Major Assignment 2: Boat Draft due Today!
Major Assignment 3: Optimization Investigation due Tu, July 25
11 / Th, July 20 / Team Optimization Investigation / Reflective Assignment 3: Air Traffic Controller due today!
12 / M, July 24 / Team Optimization Investigation
Review of Euler’s Method / Quiz 2
13 / Tu, July 25 / Modeling with Differential Equations and Euler’s Method
Modeling with Data and Calculus: Differential Equations, Using Difference Quotients for Parameter Estimation / Skydiving
Gorillas / Major Assignment 3: Optimization Investigation due today!
14 / Th, Jul 27 / Work on Final Investigation, / Lead in the Body
Winemaking
Predator/Prey
SARS
Great Lakes
Final / M Jul 31 / Final Project Presentations / Final Projects due Today!
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