ERIC Number: EJ987013
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Feb
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-279X
EISSN: N/A
The Calculus of a Vase
Scherger, Nicole
MathAMATYC Educator, v3 n2 p11-13 Feb 2012
Of the most universal applications in integral calculus are those involved with finding volumes of solids of revolution. These profound problems are typically taught with traditional approaches of the disk and shell methods, after which most calculus curriculums will additionally cover arc length and surfaces of revolution. Even in these visibly applied areas of calculus, it can often remain a challenge to develop meaningful hands-on assignments; however, according to "Beyond Crossroads" (2006), students in mathematics-intensive courses and programs should be able to "use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal representations to solve problems and communicate with others; use technology as a tool for exploring mathematical concepts; and use a variety of mathematical models, including curve fitting" (AMATYC, 2006, p. 48). Thus, activities that can address these outcomes need to be included in the calculus curriculum. The calculus of a vase project is an activity that any calculus teacher could immediately implement with only a handful of vases and a basic understanding of curve fitting. The purpose of this project is to use calculus techniques to estimate the volume, surface area, and lateral height (arc length) of a vase.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Scientific Concepts, Calculus, Mathematical Models, Mathematical Concepts, Mathematical Applications, Science Course Improvement Projects, Measurement Objectives, Measurement Techniques, Science Activities, Hands on Science
American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134. Tel: 901-333-4643; Fax: 901-333-4651; e-mail: amatyc@amatyc.org; Web site: http://www.amatyc.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A