Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Solomon's Sea And The Biblical Π, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

From I Kings 7:23, the apparent diameter and circumference of a circular ring are given as 10 and 30 cubits which suggests that the Biblical value of π is 3 rather a number closer to π. However we recount seven different somewhat whimsical explanations as to why this conclusion is overly-hasty.

Mathematics And Values: Can Philosophy Guide Projects?, Michael H. Veatch

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

The philosophy of mathematics has provided insight on questions of foundations and mathematical truth; however, it has not been very fruitful in guiding the practice of mathematics. This paper attempts to find points of contact between a Christian worldview and the choice of mathematical projects and methods. Three areas are considered: (i) dubitability in current research, (ii) the intrinsic value of contemporary mathematics to contemporary society, and (iii) the affirmation of human value in the use of mathematics. Finally, a framework for valuing mathematics is proposed as an encouragement to think more deeply about how a Christian might choose a …

An Investigation Of The Behavior Of Calculus Students Working Collaboratively In An Interactive Software Environment, Angela Hare

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Recent work in the area of cognitive research in mathematics education focuses on detailed examinations of the learning process of students and how this process is affected by current innovations in the classroom, including collaborative learning and the use of computers and interactive software. Much of this work is supported by the learning framework of constructivism, a school of thought which is based on the work and writings of Jean Piaget. Piaget, a French psychologist in the mid-twentieth century, observed the learning behavior of children and concluded that individuals construct their own knowledge by creating mental structures which explain their …

Mathematics At Chartres Cathedral, Richard Stout

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Having had several opportunities to travel to France, often with groups of students, our trips have usually included a visit to Chartres, especially to visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the town. On a recent visit I was again struck by the beauty, majesty and awe that the cathedral inspires. The building not only does a remarkable job of telling Biblical stories and of enclosing a space conducive to worship, it directs one's eyes and one's spirits upward. This is achieved not only by the beautiful stained glass windows and the striking sculptures, but also by the overall design …

Digital Filtering And Smoothing: A Student Simulation Project, Eric Gossett

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

A bug tracking problem is used to introduce students to filtering and smoothing real-time data. A predictor-corrector filter/smoother algorithm is developed and a simulation platform is provided so that students can program and test implementations of the filter/smoother. The platform includes the ability to animate the simulation.

The tracking problem: A small computer bug is traveling around the $x-y$ plane trying to avoid detection. We can eliminate the bug if we can produce a reasonably accurate approximation to its trajectory.

We have a bug detecting device which can be pointed at the plane. It can measure the $x$ and $y$ …

The Role Of Mathematics In Culture, W. James Bradley

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper examines theories of the role of mathematics in culture and seeks to understand how a Christian should view the role of mathematics.

The Mathematical Sciences And The Mediator Of Creation, W. David Laverell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This article stems from a conviction that while the development of a theistic view of the mathematical sciences is a laudable goal and much to be encouraged, it is incumbent upon us to explore every avenue that might lead to a distinctively Christian perspective. This leads naturally to a consideration of the unique role played by Christ in Creation, and a convenient framework is provided by seeing Christ as Mediator of Creation. We shall discuss the term itself, examine the biblical passages that seem to present the concept, consider the ways these passages have been understood by theologians, and …

Fractal Geometry And Chaos Theory: From Old Problems To New Models And Methods, Terence H. Perciante

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Fractal geometry and chaos theory are deeply rooted in significant problems in the history of mathematics and science. While mathematicians have geometrical descriptions of space with its properties, scientists have attempted to characterize the physical properties of fundamental entities present in space and time. The separate investigations frequently influenced each other and led to profound theories, answers, and models. However, at the same time new problems repeatedly arose internal to mathematics and externally in the applications to which mathematics was applied. Fractal geometry issues from these antecedents in response to features and processes in nature not easily represented by historical …

Teaching Generalization And Reduction Through An Elementary Probability Problem, Erian Wheeler

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

On Binary Quadratic Forms, Alain Togbe

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Exploring Various Methods Of Interpolation, Mark Roberts

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Hypothesis, Proof, And Censorship Or How Galileo Changed The Rules Of Science, Owen Gingerich

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Hyperbolic Geometry With The Geometer's Sketchpad, Robert Frank

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Using Java And Html For Linear Algebra Instruction, Jonathan R. Senning

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper addresses some of the issues involved with using the HTML, JavaScript and Java to develop and serve a sequence of laboratory modules for use in teaching linear algebra. Attention is paid to the rationale for this approach as opposed to the more traditional approach of laboratory exercises executed using MATLAB or some similar computational tool. Several methods to display mathematics with HTML are described. Some implementation detail and a brief description of the HTML and Java based Linear Algebra Visualization Assistant (LAVA) is presented.

A Tale Of Two Transitions, David Klanderman, Sharon Robbert, Robert Wheeler

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

In this paper, we examine transitions to proof courses at two institutions. Bob Wheeler has taught the course at Northern Illinois University. Both Sharon Robbert and Dave Klanderman have taught a related course at Trinity Christian College. We analyze various features of these courses and offer suggestions for other colleges and universities.

History And Current Situation Of Russian Church, Ioann S. Goncharov, Gennadiy A. Kalyabin

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper brief outlines the main periods in Russia's Orthodoxy including latest seven decades. In the Appendix a mathematical model is proposed for explaining the Divine Features such as Omniscience, Omnipotence, Predestination, and the free will of men.

A First Draft Of The History Of Acms, Robert Brabenec

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper is a draft of the history of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences as told by Robert Brabenec.

Introduction (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Table Of Contents (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Schedule (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 9, No. 5, May 20, 1997

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Grants

Welcome

Announcements

Congratulations

Departmental travelers

Graduate student news

Calendar of events

Publications

Deadlines

A Study Of Personalized Systems Of Instruction For The Community College Student In Developmental Mathematics, Debra A. Wimer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Urban Challenge Grant program, a modified "Personalized System of Instruction"(PSI) was more effective and efficient than the traditional lecture method of instruction for community college students testing into the lowest level of developmental mathematics. Students were separated into an experimental group (Urban Challenge Grant program) and a control group (traditional lecture method). Each group was given a New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test (NJCBSPT) pre-test. The experimental group, after one semester of instruction, was given the post-NJCBSPT. The control group students were given the post-NJCBSPT after 2 semesters of …

A Study Of The N-Body Problem In Celestial Mechanics For College Students, John Atsu-Swanzy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to investigate simple solutions of the many-body problem otherwise known as the n-body problem. The study focuses on elementary solutions of the n-body problem that can be understood by undergraduate students and college preparatory students of applied. mathematics.

Historical origins of the problems were traced to the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks. Further development and interest dated back to the time of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and finally to Newton who proposed its modern form.

Analytical and numerical solutions of specific n-body problems were solved to demonstrate solvability of certain types of n-body problems. Analytical …

The Effects Of Computer-Assisted Instruction On Developing Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills, Mary W. Wise

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects computer-assisted instruction has on the mathematical problem-solving skills of students with learning disabilities. A multiple baseline across subjects design was used in this study. Three female students from a rural secondary school participated. Data were collected from fifteen sessions where mathematical problem-solving skills were taught utilizing computer-assisted instruction . Positive results were obtained from all three subjects in the study, though the degree of improvement varied.

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network Newsletter – Spring 1997

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

NESEN at 1997 Fall Conference of Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science

1997 Summer Workshop Series

NESEN Working to Develop "NESEN Pods" in Nebraska

Spring STEDII Focused Measurement Period Completed

NESEN Featured at Nebraska Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting

NESEN Taking Nominations for the First Annual NESEN Earth Science Teacher of the Year Award

Feurer Offers Nebraska Earth Science Video Exchange

Homepage Links - by Derek Geise

NESEN Tidbits

Your Input for the NESEN Newsletter is Welcome

The Experiencing Of Democracy And Progressive Education: A Constructivist Approach To Mathematics, A Workshop For Teachers, Preminda Langer

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Chronicles the history of schooling in India, discusses the development of the constructivist classroom, and shares a series of math workshops for teachers for nursery and kindergarten classrooms in India.

A Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Computer Assisted Instruction In The Basic Mathematics High School Curriculum, Karen S. Osborne

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction in the basic mathematics high school curriculum.

A 31 day study took place using a population of 25 9th grade basic mathematics students from Washington Township High School. These 25 students were split into two samples. The two samples tested were a control group consisting of 12 students who received the traditional lecture-oriented instruction, with assign-study-recite a common procedure and innovation and experimentation minimal. The experimental group consisted of 13 students who received the traditional lecture oriented instruction along with CAI. Each sample was given a …

A Study To Integrate The History Of Mathematics Into The Geometry Curriculum, Karen M. Laszecki

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to integrate the history of mathematics into those topics found in a high school geometry curriculum and to determine the current extent of this integration During the last decade, the History in Mathematics in Education Conference (1990) and the History and Pedagogy of Mathematics Newsletter (1992) are examples of recent efforts to use the history of mathematics as an integral part of the curriculum.

Fifty-one teachers from forty high schools in southeastern Pennsylvania responded to the History of Mathematics in the Classroom questionnaire, which was developed from a review of literature. Geometry teachers rated …

The Annual Meeting Of The Iowa Academy Of Science April 25-26, 1997 [Program, 109th Meeting], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Program Summary --- 4
General Session Speakers --- 7
Awards --- 10
Symposia Programs --- 11
Poster Session --- 13
Map --- Center
Section Programs/Special Sessions --- 16
Agricultural Sciences --- 16
Anthropology --- 17
Botany --- 18
Cellular, Molecular, & Microbiology --- 19
Chemical Education --- 20
Chemistry : Inorganic , Physical , & Analytical --- 21
Chemistry : Organic & Biological --- 22
Conservation --- 23
Engineering --- 26
Geology --- 26
Physics --- 28
Physiology --- 29
Psychology/Linguistics --- 32
Science Teaching --- 32
Zoology --- 32
Local Arrangements Committee --- 34
Annual Meeting Committee --- …

Program Abstracts, 109th Session, Iowa Academy Of Science, April 25-26, 1997, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Presentation abstracts from the annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science