Electronic Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate MathematicsChicago, Illinois, October 30-November 2, 2003Paper P007Interactive Web-based Calculus Projects at Hollins University: Student Solutions |
Julie ClarkDepartment of Mathematics and Statistics Hollins University PO Box 9681 Roanoke, VA 24020 USA Phone: (540) 362-6524 jclark@hollins.edu list of all papers by this author | Trish HammerDepartment of Mathematics and Statistics Hollins University PO Box 9681 Roanoke, VA 24020 USA Phone: (540) 362-6599 phammer@hollins.edu list of all papers by this author |
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ABSTRACT
In the mathematics and statistics curriculum at Hollins University, there is much emphasis on the application of concepts to real life problems. For this purpose, we have recently developed two interactive web-based calculus projects which use JAVA applets as well as downloadable Maple worksheets. These projects are original and exciting and have been well received by both students and colleagues.One Calculus II project was developed during the online PREP workshop hosted by Duke University in July 2002 and was recently published in The Journal of Online Mathematics and Its Applications. In this project, students use a 'live' on-line map of Virginia to collect data points along the border and then import these data points into a downloadable Maple worksheet. This worksheet is complete with the commands (plot, solve, integrate, do loops) necessary for visual and mathematical construction of the area approximations. Four approximation methods are presented, progressing from rectangular and trapezoidal rules to the more complex Simpson's rule. As a project assignment, students are required to use these ideas to approximate the area of one of four given states (California, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina). The geometric shapes of these states (in comparison with Virginia) suggest significant and interesting modifications of the Virginia procedure. We will showcase recently submitted and widely varied student solutions.