We present adaptable activities for models of drug movement in the human body -- pharmacokinetics -- that motivate the learning of ordinary differential equations with an interdisciplinary topic. Specifically, we model aspirin, caffeine, and digoxin. We discuss the pedagogy of guiding students to understand, develop, and analyze models,…

Summarizes an interdisciplinary undergraduate research project involving experimental physics and calculus and illustrates how mathematics was used to finesse incomplete experimental information and maximize physical quantity known as jerk. Describes how calculus can be applied in the "real world" where functions are not always given by nice…

Although data is often used to estimate parameters for models in calculus and differential equations, the models themselves are seldom justified. Uses the data itself to motivate mathematical models in introductory mathematics courses. Illustrates various regression and optimization techniques. (Author/ASK)

Students in a freshmen calculus course should become fluent in modeling physical phenomena represented by integrals, in particular geometric formulas for volumes and arc length and physical formulas for work. Describes how to train students to became fluent in such modeling and derivation of standard integral formulas. Indicates that these lessons…

Shares a series of problems designed to provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of applications of the definite integral. Discourages Template solutions, solutions in which students mimic a rehearsed strategy without understanding as the variety of problems helps prevent the construction of a template. (Author/ASK)

Explores a method of teaching called Peer Instruction. Describes how Peer Instruction was implemented in physics and summarizes the results. Discusses the way in which Peer Instruction was modified to be used in an introductory single variable calculus course. (Author/ASK)

Presents a summary of insights gained by the authors after a semester of collaborative teaching. Emphasizes pedagogical and administrative insights. (Author/ASK)

Describes the outcomes of an intensive one-month mathematical modeling course and the use of posters in peer assessment of student work. (Author/ASK)

Discusses the value of student-designed, in-depth, modeling projects in a differential equations course and how to prepare students. Provides excerpts from worksheets, a list of computer software for Macintosh that can be used in teaching differential equations, and an annotated bibliography. (Author/ASK)

Argues that the level of student activity in a mathematics department at an undergraduate institution is an important gauge of academic atmosphere within the program. Outlines some practical tips for improving the level of student activity through properly directed faculty activity. (Author/ASK)

Describes a mathematics reasoning course at Drake University and efforts to introduce collaborative, small-group, mixed-ability activities into the classroom. Comments on the ease, difficulties, rewards, and demands involved. Discusses student and instructor attitudes towards the collaborative activities. (AIM)

Suggests that the lack of motivation in mathematics courses often demonstrated by undergraduates can be remedied in part by a better explanation of the intrinsic value of studying mathematics. Offers suggestions for maximizing success such as previewing topics, attending class regularly, and knowing how to read the text and how to study for exams.…

Presents a murder mystery in the form of six Calculus II review problems. Students must solve the six problems to determine the murderer, murder weapon, and time and location of the murder. (AIM)

Describes three labs designed to help students in a first course on ordinary differential equations with three of the most common numerical difficulties they might encounter when solving initial value problems with a numerical software package. The goal of these labs is to help students advance to independent work on common numerical anomalies.…

Suggests an approach in courses for mathematics majors and minors similar to the popular approach used in applied courses--using student projects. Describes strategy and implementation of the projects and provides examples from student projects on statistics. (Author/ASK)