Education Commons^™

Inside Unlv, Gian Galassi, Katrina Hudak, Carol C. Harter, Eric Sandgren, Tom Hagge

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Multi-Phase Homework Assignments In Cs I And Cs Ii, James Huggins

Computer Science Presentations And Conference Materials

ll of the panelists have used small sets of related programming assignments in introductory CS courses. These assignments are essentially larger programs which are developed during several separate phases. This approach has several advantages: • Students are able to develop more realistic and interesting programs. • Students are motivated to write better code as well as documentation. Those who don't are quickly confronted by the implications. • Student interest in completing the projects is better sustained, since there is continuity from one project to the next. • It models desirable techniques such as iterative development and encapsulation. • It demonstrates …

A Solution To Einstein’S Field Equations For A Tachyonic Gas: Possible Astrophysical Applications, Kris H. Green, W. John Cocke

Mathematical and Computing Sciences Faculty/Staff Publications

In this paper we show that a change in the signs of some of the metric components of the solution of the field equations for the classical cosmic string results in a solution which we interpret as a time-dependent wall composed of tachyons. We show that the walls have the property of focusing the paths of particles which pass through them. As an illustration of this focusing, we demonstrate the results of a simple simulation of the interaction between one such tachyon wall and a rotating disk of point masses. This interaction leads to the temporary formation of spiral structures. …

Physics First, Marcelo Alonso

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

It is true that now most biology courses begin with the DNA molecule, and many chemistry courses introduce the notion of electronic orbitals in atoms and molecules, topics for which students are not well prepared, since most of them have not taken physics courses. Physics courses in turn relegate to the end some discussion of the structure of matter and electromagnetic interaction, or do not discuss that at all. Thus, students miss the overall picture.

Geosciences Newsletter- 2003, Department Of Geosciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

Vol. 1, No. 28

• Dear Alumni and Friends
• Faculty News
• Department News
• Awards and Graduations
• Alumni News
• Field Trips
• Donations

Toy Models For The Falling Chimney, Gabriele U. Varieschi, Kaoru Kamiya

Physics Faculty Works

In this paper we review the theory of the ‘‘falling chimney,’’ which deals with the breaking in mid-air of tall structures when they fall to the ground. We show that these ruptures can be caused by either shear forces typically developing near the base, or by the bending of the structure which is caused primarily by the internal bending moment. In the latter case the breaking is more likely to occur between one-third and one-half of the height of the chimney. Small scale toy models are used to reproduce the dynamics of the falling chimney. By examining photos taken during …

Where's (The) Computer Science In Service-Learning?, Pete Sanderson

Mathematics Faculty Scholarship

Service-learning is a form of experiential learning that integrates classroom concepts with related community service. Computer science faculty and students stand to reap great benefit from the integration of service-learning practice and philosophy into curricula. Many faculty are already doing so, yet computer science is not very visible in the service-learning community. Similarly, service-learning is not very visible in the computer science education community. It is imperative for those computer science faculty involved in service-learning to develop, apply and disseminate effective frameworks for integrating service learning into undergraduate computer science curricula so that its benefits may be more fully realized.

2003 Scholars And Artists Bibliography, Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland State University, Friends Of The Michael Schwartz Library

Scholars and Artists Bibliographies

This bibliography was created for the annual Friends of the Michael Schwartz Library Scholars and Artists Reception, recognizing scholarly and creative achievements of Cleveland State University faculty, staff and emeriti

Ua66/1/5 Applied Research & Technology Program Newsletter, Issue 2, Wku Applied Research & Technology Program

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by and about the Applied Research & Technology Program.

Ua3/9/5 Speech To The Kentucky/Tennessee Section Of The American Water Works Association, Wku President's Office

WKU Archives Records

Speech delivered by WKU president Gary Ransdell regarding the WKU Center for Water Resource Studies, WKU's Technical Assistance Center for Wastewater and the Circuit Rider Program.

Ua66/1/5 Applied Research & Technology Program Newsletter, Issue 1, Wku Applied Research & Technology Program

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by and about the Applied Research & Technology Program.

Enhancing The Cs Curriculum With With Aspect-Oriented Software Development (Aosd) And Early Experience, Konstantin Läufer, George K. Thiruvathukal, Tzilla Elrad

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) is evolving as an important step beyond existing software development approaches such as object-oriented development. An aspect is a module that captures a crosscutting concern, behavior that cuts across different units of abstraction in a software application; expressed as a module, such behavior can be enabled and disabled transparently and non-invasively, without changing the application code itself. Increasing industry demand for expertise in AOSD gives rise to the pedagogical challenge of covering this methodology and its foundations in the computer science curriculum. We present our curricular initiative to incorporate a novel course in AOSD in the …

Inside Unlv, Gian Galassi, Carol C. Harter, Gale Sinatra

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Towards A Role-Based Metadata Scheme For Educational Digital Libraries: A Case Study In Singapore, Dian Melati Md Ismail, Ming Yin, Yin-Leng Theng, Dion Hoe-Lian Goh, Ee Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this paper, we describe the development of an appropriate metadata scheme for GeogDL, a Web-based digital library application containing past-year examination resources for students taking a Singapore national examination in geography. The new metadata scheme was developed from established metadata schemes on education and e-learning. Initial evaluation showed that a role-based approach would be more viable, adapting to the different roles of teachers/educators and librarians contributing geography resources to GeogDL. The paper concludes with concrete implementation of the role-based metadata schema for GeogDL.

Inside Unlv, Kevin Force, Gian Galassi, Carol C. Harter, Stuart Mann

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

The Inverse Problem: Christianity Through A Mathematical Lens, Sharon K. Robbert

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

An inverse problem is a partner problem that reverses some type of direct problem. Usually the inverse problem is more challenging to solve than the direct problem: integration is more challenging than differentiation, factoring large numbers is more challenging than multiplying numbers. In this paper, the author poses that using mathematical thinking to understand the concepts of theological principles is the direct problem to the much more challenging inverse problem of using theological thinking to influence understanding in mathematics. Acknowledging that a problem is difficult allows one to be satisfied with understanding small pieces and progressing slowly to a complete …

The Search For The Real Josephus Problem, Eric Gossett

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Many of the problems that mathematicians and computer scientists dearly love have been around for a long time. One such problem is known as the Josephus Problem, named after the first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Josephus did not invent the problem. Instead, an event from his life served as the inspiration for the problem statement. Many current books refer to "Mathematical Recreations and Essays" by W. W. Rouse Ball [originally published in 1892] for the problem statement. The problem is quite interesting (and will be solved here). However, the story, as quoted in Bell, is not completely accurate.

A Greater Tantalizer, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

The children’s puzzle, sometimes called the Great Tantalizer, consists of four blocks each of whose faces have been colored with four colors; a solution consists in stacking the blocks so that on each stack face, all four colors appear. This article renders the puzzle as six octahedral blocks, each of which is colored with six colors, and describes a scheme to successfully stack all six.

What Is A Random Event? A Project For Finite Math Or Statistics, Jeremy Case

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Randomization is an important idea in Finite Mathematics and Statistics. One main idea in these courses is that events that appear to be performed in a random fashion are often not random. Here we present a simple project involving "randomly" opening the Bible. This activity leads to deeper philosophical questions such as how to study the Bible and whether an event can be considered random if God intervenes.

Sos Checks And Career Management, Russell W. Howell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

This paper compares the careers of King Saul and King David in the Bible and how they inform the career management methods of a Christian.

Mathematical Models And Reality, John Byl

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

This paper examines the nature and function of mathematical models, using illustrations from cosmology, space geometry and atomic physics. Mathematical models enable us to make precise calculations and predictions; they serve as analogies and conceptual frameworks that lead to new discoveries; and they bridge the gap between appearance and reality. Their success implies that the universe had a mathematical structure. However, one must be careful not to confuse models of reality with reality itself. A variety of models can represent the same data; any model can be given different physical interpretations. The choice of a model and its interpretation depends …

Integrating Laptops Into A Mathematics Curriculum, Mary Wagner-Krankel

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

In 1999, St. Mary's University in San Antonio received a Title V Grant, providing $2.1 million over five years. The money was used to help finance computers for students, fund faculty training for computer-related curriculum, convert traditional classrooms into technology or "Smart classrooms", and upgrade the school's Internet connections. This article discusses specific software and hardware advancements made at the University through this grant. The article also describes how the Math department specifically integrated the laptops into their courses using software programs such as Mathcad and Blackboard.

Linear Regression As A 1-Variable Optimization Exercise, Ken Constantine

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Derivation of the least squares line for a set of bivariate data entails minimizing a function of two variables, say the line's slope and intercept. Imposing the requirement that the line pass through the mean point for the data reduces this problem to a 1-variable problem easily solved as a single-variable Calculus exercise. The solution to this problem is, in fact, the solution to the more general problem. We illustrate with a dataset involving charitable donations.

Exploiting The Confidence Interval-Hypothesis Test Equivalence In Basic Statistics Classes, Ken Constantine

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

An emphasis is offered for the inference portion of an elementary Statistics course: the equivalence between confidence intervals and tests of hypotheses. This equivalence is rarely mentioned in basic texts but seems helpful to students. Student reference sheets which employ this equivalence are available on-line.

A Christian Appraisal Of Stephan Wolfram's A New Kind Of Science, Gene B. Chase

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Wolfram exposes some ideas about informatics that relate to Christian Scholarship: Does Wolfram's definition of free will permit God to have free will? Will human souls resurrected to a new body–as described by St. Paul and Aquinas–by like software that is moved to new hardware? Jesus' incarnation as in-form-ation in the Aristotelian sense.

Creationism - A Viable Philosophy Of Mathematics, Jonathan Zderad

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

The purpose of this essay is to try to answer the ontological and epistemological question of mathematics. Specifically, "What, if any, of mathematics exists in the objective sense?" And, "How do we as humans know that our knowledge of mathematics is correct?" These questions will be investigated by looking at the applications or mathematics, the practice of mathematicians, and most telling, the content of mathematics. Mathematics, admittedly, can only go so far in answering its own philosophical questions, even when aided by recent developments in the field of logic. The overwhelming evidence, as will be shown, points toward a theistic, …

Making Connections: Using Analogies To Enrich Understanding Of Mathematical Ideas And Biblical Truths, Ron Benbow

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Recent standards and research, published by mathematics education professional organizations, place a great emphasis on “connections” in all grade levels. Through this emphasis on interrelatedness, students begin to see the subject not as a collection of separate strands, but rather as an integrated field of study. When linkages between diverse domains of knowledge are formed (by comparing, contrasting, analyzing, and applying), we have increased the likelihood that we develop deeper understandings within both domains. This paper explores some specific examples of the use of analogies to connect mathematical and Biblical concepts.

Mathematics, Science, And George Macdonald, David L. Neuhouser

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

In writing about George MacDonald choosing a college major, biographer William Raeper wrote that he chose “chemistry, a strange choice perhaps for a future novelist and poet and not an easy one for him to make.” He further conjectured that MacDonald’s choice was based on “common sense and sound economics” rather than “his poetic yearnings.” Many would agree with Raeper that science is a strange choice for a future poet and novelist. This paper argues that the role of beauty and imagination is very similar in science, mathematics, and literature, so it might not be so strange that someone could …

Men Are From The Server Side, Women Are From The Client Side: A Biblical Perspective On Men, Women And Computer Science, Kim Potter Kihlstrom

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

The percentage of women in computer science is small and has decreased over the last twenty years. Why is this the case, when computer science is a wonderful and growing field with many opportunities? I believe that the situation has its roots in the basic differences between men and women, differences that were present from the beginning of creation and are a part of the way that God made male and female uniquely. In order to ensure that both talented men and women are attracted to computer science, we need to understand the differences between men and women, and how …

Introduction (2003), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Fourteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences