ERIC Number: EJ759854
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0268-3679
EISSN: N/A
Experimental Mathematics in the Curriculum (Part 1)
Ward, J. P.
Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications: An International Journal of the IMA, v25 n4 p205-215 2006
Much of modern mathematical research requires a serious level of commitment and ability on the part of the researcher and, as a natural consequence, precludes any real involvement by undergraduate mathematicians. However, to put it crudely, Computer Algebra Systems, can make experts of us all. With the use of such systems even the average undergraduate mathematician can aspire to discover interesting yet still unexplained behaviour in many areas of mathematics. Of course, interesting results still need a true expert to furnish proofs. This article explores the area of experimental mathematics and, for a particular problem, the so-called Buffon puzzle, demonstrates how it can be made accessible to undergraduates. We give a detailed lecture by lecture account of the description of the puzzle, its solution, including rigorous proofs. We argue that mathematics research, from discovery, through proof to prediction, should play a prominent role in the undergraduate curriculum. In experimental mathematics this is certainly feasible. In part 2 of this work, I consider possible extensions of the basic Buffon puzzle continuing with a lecture by lecture delivery at a level accessible to first year undergraduate mathematicians.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Study, Lecture Method, Algebra, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Curriculum, College Mathematics, College Students, Computer Software, Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Technology
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://teamat.oxfordjournals.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A