Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Josue Njock-Libii, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

airresistance is taken into account.The remainder of this paper is organized in the following manner: first, we discuss howlogarithms will be used to test Eq. (3) in the laboratory. Then, the design of the experiment ispresented. Next, experimental data are presented and analyzed using Logarithms in two differentways. Finally, these experimental results are compared to the solution of the differentialequation itself.Use of logarithms in analysis of dataAn important property of logarithms that is often exploited in analyzing nonlinear data is that thelogarithm of a product AB equals the logarithm of A plus the logarithm of B. Thus, one canwrite (4)This

Conference Session

Bridging the Gap and Freshman Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nelson Baker, Georgia Institute of Technology; Marion Usselman, Georgia Institute of Technology; Thomas Morley, Georgia Institute of Technology; Rick Clark, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

at the school.The students who have participated in the program have performed extremely well (Table 2).The grades for the on-campus, full-time registered students are included for the spring 2008semester as a comparison. Analysis of how students with different incoming academicqualifications perform reveals that the current requirements for the Distance Calculus programare sufficient, and that the incoming scores for the small number of students receiving a C orbelow are not distinguishable from students receiving an A or B (data not shown). Table 2—Calculus Grades for Distance and On-Campus Students, 2005-2009 Semester Type # Students A B C D/F/I Withdre

Conference Session

Integrating Math, Science, and Engineering

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Eduardo Chappa, Texas A&M International University; Terutake Abe, Texas A&M International University; Fethi Belkhouche, Texas A&M International University; Rohitha Goonatilake, Texas A&M International University; Qingwen Ni, Texas A&M International University; Rafic Bachnak, Texas A&M International University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-1803: INTEGRATION OF ASSESSMENT AND CURRICULUM INENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, AND PHYSICAL-SCIENCE PROGRAMSEduardo Chappa, Texas A&M International University Dr. Chappa is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Texas A&M International Unversity (TAMIU). He received his B.S. and M.S. degree in Mathematics from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile in 1990 and 1993 respectively. Dr. Chappa received his Ph.D. from University of Washington in 2002. Dr. Chappa was a visiting assistant professor at Texas A&M University before joining TAMIU, and is a member of the AMS.Terutake Abe, Texas A&M International University Dr. Abe is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Texas A&

Conference Session

Integrating Math, Science, and Engineering

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Evelyn Brown, East Carolina University; Heather Ries, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-1881: THE ENGINEERING-MATH COMMITTEE: A SUCCESSFULCOLLABORATION AT ___ UNIVERSITYEvelyn Brown, East Carolina UniversityHeather Ries, East Carolina University Page 14.1214.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2009 The Engineering/Math Committee: A Successful Collaboration at East Carolina University Evelyn C. Brown, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Engineering East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 Heather L. Ries, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics

Conference Session

Integrating Math, Science, and Engineering

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hassan Moore, University of Alabama, Birmingham; Gregg Janowski, University of Alabama, Birmingham; Melinda Lalor, University of Alabama, Birmingham

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-943: MATH TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING: A NEW APPROACH TOTEACHING CALCULUS III AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONSHassan Moore, University of Alabama, BirminghamGregg Janowski, University of Alabama, BirminghamMelinda Lalor, University of Alabama, Birmingham Page 14.865.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2009MATH TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING: A NEW APPROACH TOTEACHING CALCULUS III AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONSAbstractDuring the fall of 2008 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a new course (EGR/MA265 – Mathematical Tools for Engineering Problem Solving) was offered in a joint effort by theSchool of Engineering and the Department of Mathematics combining differential equations

Conference Session

Computers and Software in Teaching Mathemathetics

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ali Farahani, National University, San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

Page 14.1303.3example of set equality; suppose we want to verify that the sets A and B given below are equal. A ? {x | x 2 − x / 6 ? 0} and B ? {2,/3} then A ? BIn Python set A can be constructed as A=set ([x for x in range (-50,50) if x**2+x-6==0])where the set command is applied to convert the list to a set object. The set is constructed bysearching for integer solutions of the quadratic equation in a specified range. Set B is simple toconstruct in Python, B=set ([2,-3]). Now we use the command A==B to verify theequality. The system returns “True”.A set product, or a set of ordered pair is easily built by a single line of code assuming that sets Aand B have been defined then [(a,b) for a in A for b in B] produces

Conference Session

Computers and Software in Teaching Mathemathetics

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Marilyn Reba, Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

-Centered Activities for Large-Enrollment University Physics (SCALE- UP)." Presented at the Sigma Xi Forum: "Reshaping Undergraduate Science and Page 14.781.6 Engineering Education: Tools for Better Learning", Minneapolis, MN (unpublished).2. Reba, M., and B. Weaver. (2007)"Tablet PC-Enabled Active Learning in Mathematics: A First Study." In Proceedings of the International Workshop on Pen-Based Learning Technologies (IEEE), 10-16.3. Bransford, J. D., and A. L. Brown. (1999). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. National Academy of Sciences Press.4. Meyers, C., and T. B. Jones. (1993). Promoting Active

Conference Session

Engineering and Mathematics Potpourri

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Athanasios Tsalatsanis, University of South Florida; Ali Yalcin, University of South Florida; Autar Kaw, University of South Florida

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

student and a condition attribute designates an attributeincluded in the student profile. In most cases where a decision needs to be reached, an additional Page 14.218.4attribute, decision attribute, is incorporated in the data set. A system that encapsulates all objects,condition attributes and decision attributes is called a decision system/table.Table 2 shows a part of the decision table used in this study. The attribute Performance is thedecision attribute which indicates if a student has received a passing (A, B, C) or a failing grade(D, F) in the course. Table 2. Decision Table

Conference Session

Engineering and Mathematics Potpourri

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Grossfield, Vaughn College of Aeronautics

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-700: VISUAL ANALYSIS AND THE COMPOSITION OF FUNCTIONSAndrew Grossfield, Vaughn College of Aeronautics Throughout his career Dr. Grossfield has combined an interest in engineering design and mathematics. He studied Electrical Engineering at the City College of New York, graduating with a BSEE. During the sixties, he attended the NYU Courant Institute at night, obtaining an M.S. degree in mathematics, while designing circuitry full time during the day for aerospace/avionics companies. He earned his doctorate studying Continuum Mechanics under the direction of L. M. Milne-Thomson, CBE at The University of Arizona. He is a member of ASEE, IEEE, and MAA. Grossfield@IEEE.org is his email

Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elton Graves, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

traveling along the cycloid will in fact get from pointA to point B faster than a straight line. We can then explain to the students that the cycloid curveis the “optimal” curve for getting from point A to point B in the least amount of time. Page 14.405.3 Students Racing Marbles on Cycloid Track.A second demonstration is to start two marbles at different points on the cycloid track and havethe students guess which marble will reach the bottom of the curve the fastest. After severaltrials the students see that both marbles will reach the bottom of the track at exactly the sametime. Again we can talk about the geometry and

Conference Session

Integrating Math, Science, and Engineering

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul Kauffmann, East Carolina University; Michael Bosse, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

Engineering Education National Conference, June 2001. 2. Hampikian, Janet, John Gardner, Amy Moll, Pat Pyke, and Cheryl Schrader. “Integrated Pre Freshman Engineering and Pre-calculus Mathematics.” Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education National Conference, June 2006. 3. Carpenter, Jenna P., Michael B. Cutlip, Michael D. Graham, Anton J. Pintar, and Jan A. Puszynski. “Mathematics and Chemical Engineering Education.” Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Page 14.187.5 Education National Conference, June 2001.4. James, Wendy and Karen High, Freshman Level Mathematics in

Conference Session

Mathematics: Recruitment and Retention

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Georgiopoulos, University of Central Florida; Cynthia Young, University of Central Florida; Cherie Geiger, University of Central Florida; Scott Hagen, University of Central Florida; Chris Parkinson, University of Central Florida; Alison Morrison-Shetlar, University of Central Florida; Tace Crouse, University of Central Florida; Paula Krist, University of Central Florida; Pat Lancey, University of Central Florida; Melissa Dagley-Falls, University of Central Florida; Pat Ramsey, University of Central Florida; Dahlia Forde, University of Central Florida; Anna Koufakou, University of Central Florida

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

UCF, calledthe EXCEL Program, is a 5-year program funded in 2006. The specific goal of the EXCELprogram is to increase UCF’s retention rates in STEM disciplines, thereby increasing thenumber of students graduating with a STEM degree from the institution. In this process anincrease in the percentages of under-represented groups (women and minorities) graduating withSTEM degrees is expected, since UCF has high percentages of underrepresented minorities inSTEM disciplines (more than 25% of STEM admits at UCF are Hispanics or AfricanAmericans). To achieve EXCEL’s goal, two important objectives are identified: (a) recruitstudents in EXCEL, and (b) retain the EXCEL students in STEM disciplines. The result of thiseffort will be an institutionalized

Conference Session

Computers and Software in Teaching Mathemathetics

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jenna Carpenter, Louisiana Tech University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

-Summary-Handout.doc2. Schacter, J., “The Impact of Educational Technology on Student Achievement: What the Most Current ResearchHas to Say,” Milliken Exchange on Educational Technology, 1999,http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/~ims/techcen/EETT/ImpactofET.pdf3. Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement, North Central Regional Educational Library, Page 14.1337.13http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm#reference4. Murphy, R., Penuel, W., Means, B., Korbak, C., Whaley, A., “E-DESK: A Review of Recent Evidence on theEffectiveness of Discrete Educational Software,” SRI International, Menlo Park, CA

Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Schmeelk, Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar Branch; Jean Hodges, Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar Branch

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

style and brain hemisphericpreferences (see Appendices A and B for test copies). The tests were given shortly afterintroducing the course and its project-directed concept, and the results were discussed with thestudents, who also received handouts of Linksman’s characterizations for each of the learningstyles and brain hemispheric preferences to use as they studied the math concepts throughout thecourse. Among the conclusions of this study were that students’ documented superlinks did notconfirm the assumptions made in the first study, thus identifying the necessity for testingstudents’ preferences; sample projects proved helpful; and more research was needed.The third study extended the second study in three primary ways: ≠ it continued

Conference Session

Bridging the Gap and Freshman Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seung Youn Chyung, Boise State University; Janet Callahan, Boise State University; Doug Bullock, Boise State University; Kendra Bridges, Boise State University; Joanna Guild, Boise State University; Cheryl Schrader, Boise State University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

Bullock is Chair of Mathematics at Boise State University. His research interests include math education, quantum topology, quantum algebra and representation theory, with particular emphasis on applications to knot theory and the topology of 3-manifolds.Kendra Bridges, Boise State University Kendra Bridges is Special Lecturer for the Department of Mathematics at Boise State University.Joanna Guild, Boise State University Joanna Guild is an Instructor for the Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at The College of Idaho. She obtained her M.S. in Mathematics from Boise State University and a B.A. in Mathematics from Kenyon College.Cheryl Schrader, Boise State University Cheryl B

Conference Session

Mathematics: Recruitment and Retention

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Doug Bullock, Boise State University; Janet Callahan, Boise State University; Yuguang Ban, Boise State University; Alison Ahlgren, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Cheryl Schrader, Boise State University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

University that earned a grade of A in apre-calculus course in the first semester had the same engineering retention rate as students whoearned a B in the first semester calculus class.1 Yet, if those same students are placed based ontheir SAT math scores, such students would probably fail calculus if taken in their firstsemester.1 A recent study on parameters that affect student success indicated that the gradeearned in a student’s first college level mathematics class was significantly correlated to whetheror not those students persisted in engineering, while the level at which they began mathematicsstudy at the university was not.2 French, et al. conclude in their study of indicators of engineeringstudents’ success and persistence, that

Conference Session

Engineering and Mathematics Potpourri

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Murray Teitell, DeVry University, Long Beach

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

. (2007). An Investigation of the Mutation Operator using Different Representations in Grammatical Evolution. Proc. Int. Multiconf. Comp. Sci. and Infor. Page 14.1133.11 Tech., 1, 409-419. 13. Checkland, P. (1999). Systems Thinking. In Currie, W. L. & Galliers, B. (eds), Rethinking Management Infor. Sys .(45-57) Oxford: Oxford University Press.14. Josephy, A., Gordon, A, & McFarland, M. W. (1962). The american heritage history of flight. New York: Simon and Schuster. Page 14.1133.12Page

Conference Session

Computers and Software in Teaching Mathemathetics

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Raymond Jacquot, University of Wyoming; Jeffrey Anderson, University of Wyoming; David Walrath, University of Wyoming

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-214: SCRIPTS IN MATLAB FOR ANIMATION OF THE SOLUTIONS TOPARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONSRaymond Jacquot, University of Wyoming Ray Jacquot, Ph.D., P.E., received his BSME and MSME degrees at the University of Wyoming in 1960 and 1962 respectively. He was an NSF Science Faculty Fellow at Purdue University where he received the Ph.D. in 1969. He joined the Electrical Engineering faculty of the University of Wyoming in 1969. He is a member of ASEE, IEEE and ASME and has been active in ASEE for over three decades serving as Rocky Mountain Section Chair and PIC IV Chair. His professional interests are in modeling, control, simulation and animation of dynamic systems. He is currently Professor

Conference Session

Bridging the Gap and Freshman Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Sullivan, Dallas Independent School District

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-2352: THE “BOX METHOD” FOR TEACHING RATIO/PROPORTIONPROBLEMSJames Sullivan, Dallas Independent School District Page 14.1266.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2009 The “Box Method” for Teaching Ratio/Proportion ProblemsAbstractThis paper details a systematic method for teaching high school students how to set up and solveratio and/or proportion problems. Such problems frequently occur in a wide variety ofengineering applications. The author, while teaching high school algebra courses, noticed aremarkable fact: Students were able to solve such problems correctly once the problems hadbeen set up properly. In other words, their major difficulty was not

Conference Session

Bridging the Gap and Freshman Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sabina Jeschke, University of Stuttgart; Akiko Kato, Technische Universitaet Berlin; Olivier Pfeiffer, Technische Universitaet Berlin; Erhard Zorn, Technische Universitaet Berlin

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

AC 2009-1665: PREFRESHMAN STUDENTS GEARING UP WITH EARLY BIRDSabina Jeschke, University of Stuttgart After receiving her M.Sc. in Physics at the Berlin University of Technology in 1997, graduating with distinction, Sabina Jeschke worked as an assistant teacher at the department for mathematics and natural sciences and earned her doctorate in 2004. Holding a scholarship from the German National Academic Foundation, she spent several months of research at the NASA in Moffet Field, CA. In 2000 and 2001, S. Jeschke worked as an instructor at the GaTech (Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta). Since 2005, Sabina Jeschke has been associate professor for Media in Mathematics and Natural