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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

The Inverse Problem: Christianity Through A Mathematical Lens, Sharon K. Robbert May 2003

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 …


Integrating Laptops Into A Mathematics Curriculum, Mary Wagner-Krankel May 2003

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.


Men Are From The Server Side, Women Are From The Client Side: A Biblical Perspective On Men, Women And Computer Science, Kim Potter Kihlstrom May 2003

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 …


Mathematics, Science, And George Macdonald, David L. Neuhouser May 2003

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 …


Mathematical Models And Reality, John Byl May 2003

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 …


Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor May 2003

Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

No abstract provided.


Non-Random Equidistant Letter Sequence Extensions In Ezekiel, Richard E. Sherman, Nathan Jacobi May 2003

Non-Random Equidistant Letter Sequence Extensions In Ezekiel, Richard E. Sherman, Nathan Jacobi

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

No abstract provided.


A Pseudo-History Of Number Systems, Richard Laatsch May 2003

A Pseudo-History Of Number Systems, Richard Laatsch

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

No abstract provided.


Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor May 2003

Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Simone Weil was the sister of Andre Weil, one of the twentieth century's foremost mathematicians. She is a widely read and creative writer on spiritual themes. She addressed mathematics extensively in her writings. This paper discusses her views of mathematics and beauty, her critiques of modern science, her views on truth, and her concept that mathematical ideas can serve as symbols of spiritual ideas.


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

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

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Fourteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences


Schedule (2003), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences May 2003

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

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Fourteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences


A Christian Perspective On Mathematics – History Of Mathematics And Study Guides, Johan Deklerk May 2003

A Christian Perspective On Mathematics – History Of Mathematics And Study Guides, Johan Deklerk

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

This paper addresses two questions: (1) Will a study of the history of the subject serve any purpose in promoting a Christian perspective on mathematics? (2) Can the "science in context" approach be of further help in promoting such a perspective? The author answers both positively and provides specific examples of how he has done this in his own classes.


Table Of Contents (2003), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences May 2003

Table Of Contents (2003), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2003

Fourteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences


Measuring The Environmental Attitudes Of Children In Grade 4: A Study In Clark County, Amir Khawaja Apr 2003

Measuring The Environmental Attitudes Of Children In Grade 4: A Study In Clark County, Amir Khawaja

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an increased positive effect on children's attitude when they are taught about the environment in an outdoor/hands-on setting versus an indoor traditional classroom setting. The study focused on grade four students in the Clark County School District. Half of the group was comprised of students that were taught about the environment using traditional classroom learning materials while the other half consisted of students that were taught using the outdoor/hands-on approach. In order to test the results, the students were given a survey. The questionnaire created by Malkus and Musser …


A Christian Perspective On Mathematics – History Of Mathematics And Study Guides, Johan Deklerk Jan 2003

A Christian Perspective On Mathematics – History Of Mathematics And Study Guides, Johan Deklerk

ACMS Journal 2004

This paper addresses two questions: (1) Will a study of the history of the subject serve any purpose in promoting a Christian perspective on mathematics? (2) Can the "science in context" approach be of further help in promoting such a perspective? The author answers both positively and provides specific examples of how he has done this in his own classes.


Creationism – A Viable Philosophy Of Mathematics, Jonathan Zderad Jan 2003

Creationism – A Viable Philosophy Of Mathematics, Jonathan Zderad

ACMS Journal 2004

In this paper, the author addresses two classical questions of the philosophy of mathematics: What, if any, of mathematics exists in the objective sense? How do humans know that our knowledge of mathematics is correct? He argues that the Christian doctrine of God as creator provides a basis for answering these questions. He also provides a critique of eight widely discussed philosophies of mathematics.


Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor Jan 2003

Mathematics And The Love Of God: An Introduction To The Thought Of Simone Weil, Scott Taylor

ACMS Journal 2004

Simone Weil was the sister of Andre Weil, one of the twentieth century's foremost mathematicians. She is a widely read and creative writer on spiritual themes. She addressed mathematics extensively in her writings. This paper discusses her views of mathematics and beauty, her critiques of modern science, her views on truth, and her concept that mathematical ideas can serve as symbols of spiritual ideas.


Lessons Learned In A Math Excel Workshop: The Importance Of Maintaining High Cognitive Demands, T. Dick Jan 2003

Lessons Learned In A Math Excel Workshop: The Importance Of Maintaining High Cognitive Demands, T. Dick

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Uri Treisman's Emerging Scholars Workshop model has been implemented on many college campuses over the last twenty years. The Treisman model is based on groups of students meeting regularly in a social atmosphere to work collaboratively in solving challenging mathematics problems related to their introductory coursework. Emerging Scholars Programs (or Math Excel as it is called in many settings, including ours) have been particularly successful in increasing the academic success and participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics. The primary responsibilities of a workshop leader include the design of a session’s worksheet, as well as the facilitation of students' problem solving …


Contents Jan 2003

Contents

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Making Upper Division Mathematics Courses Relevant For Pre-Service Teachers, G. Hill Jan 2003

Making Upper Division Mathematics Courses Relevant For Pre-Service Teachers, G. Hill

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article addresses the disconnect that in-service and pre-service secondary school teachers feel between the material presented in upper division mathematics courses and high school classroom practice. Two examples are given from an abstract algebra course in which this problem is addressed.


Geosciences For Elementary Educators: A Course Assessment, M. L. Cummings, M. Goodrich, D. Burmester Jan 2003

Geosciences For Elementary Educators: A Course Assessment, M. L. Cummings, M. Goodrich, D. Burmester

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Geosciences for Elementary Educators engages future elementary teachers in a hands-on investigation of topics aligned with the third and fifth grade Earth/Space Science and Scientific Inquiry benchmarks of the Oregon Content Standards. The course was designed to develop the content background of elementary teachers within the framework of the science described in the content standards, to provide an opportunity for future teachers to explore the content area in relation to what takes place in the classrooms of elementary schools, and to initiate a community of learners focused on teaching science to elementary students. The course focused on four themes: the …


Visualizing Basic Nuclear Reactions, D. Allen, M. T. Oliver-Hoyo Jan 2003

Visualizing Basic Nuclear Reactions, D. Allen, M. T. Oliver-Hoyo

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

There are few instructional tools available to teach basic nuclear reactions to beginning students. The activity described in this paper can be used to help students visualize and write basic nuclear reactions such as alpha, beta, and positron decay, as well as electron capture. These reactions are represented using the technology of thermochromic paints, which either change color or turn colorless depending upon the temperature. By using a special thermochromic paint that turns colorless upon heating, students are able to visualize nuclear interactions. For instance, when positron decay occurs, the object depicting a proton will "decay" into a neutron by …


Understanding Teacher Reflection As A Significant Tool For Bringing Reform-Based Teaching To College Mathematics, K. Jeon Jan 2003

Understanding Teacher Reflection As A Significant Tool For Bringing Reform-Based Teaching To College Mathematics, K. Jeon

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper describes a senior mathematics professor’s effort to change his teaching practice in a mathematical analysis course for secondary pre-service teachers in alignment with the current reform movement. Data include semester-long observations and interviews with the professor and his students. The data were analyzed by the use of reflection as the most significant tool for examining his experience of bringing about change. The reflection was used as a bridge from theory to practice by serving as a significant point for the professor to experience the process of professional development in a real sense. Discussions include the role of teacher …


Student Work Section, R. Howard Jan 2003

Student Work Section, R. Howard

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Recruiting More Mathematics Teachers Using Collaboration As The Main Ingredient: An Effective Model From Missouri, L. Kaiser Jan 2003

Recruiting More Mathematics Teachers Using Collaboration As The Main Ingredient: An Effective Model From Missouri, L. Kaiser

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

A National Science Foundation grant was designed to develop a series of courses to connect mathematics concepts taught in middle school classes with actual class materials used at the middle school level; however, a second component of the grant focused on efforts to recruit more teachers into the field of mathematics. By collaborating with several groups across Missouri, several strategies were developed that were shown to have positive results, both in increasing awareness of mathematics teacher shortage issues, and in encouraging attendance in Missouri mathematics education programs. The strategies developed were easy to implement and low in cost. The Missouri …


The Perfect Perspective: A Mathematical Analysis Of Perspective Using Tools Available To Middle School Students, W. Griffin Jan 2003

The Perfect Perspective: A Mathematical Analysis Of Perspective Using Tools Available To Middle School Students, W. Griffin

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper examines the basic properties of perspective drawings, the history of perspective drawings, and the basic mathematics of perspective. Using a side view and a top view of a three-dimensional projection, similar triangles can be used to find distances from the axes and vanishing point in a projection. By breaking the three-dimensional projection into two, two-dimensional planes, one can recreate projections based on actual figures, or create placements of figures in real space based on a projection. Using this method, one 'can change a projection based on the changing position of the vanishing point. This simple approach to perspective …


Lessons Learned From Efforts At Institutional Change: Case Studies Of Six Ocept Institutions, T. G. Chenoweth, M. K. Kinnick, R. D. Walleri Jan 2003

Lessons Learned From Efforts At Institutional Change: Case Studies Of Six Ocept Institutions, T. G. Chenoweth, M. K. Kinnick, R. D. Walleri

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

As one part of a multifaceted evaluation of the Oregon Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers (OCEPT), a case study approach was used to enable a deeper understanding of how a diverse group of six institutions attempted to achieve OCEPT goals and to learn more about factors that facilitated or hindered their efforts. Multiple sources of data were used, with heavy reliance on a series of on-site interviews. The analytical framework included a "depth" and "pervasiveness" typology of institutional change and a view of change as encompassing "meaning," "organization," and "effects." While goals and accomplishment levels, as well …


Title Page Jan 2003

Title Page

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


The Development Of Instruments For Assessment Of Instructional Practices In Standards-Based Teaching, C. L. Wainwright, L. Flick, P. Morrell Jan 2003

The Development Of Instruments For Assessment Of Instructional Practices In Standards-Based Teaching, C. L. Wainwright, L. Flick, P. Morrell

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

We provide a description and rationale for the development of two instruments: 1) a classroom observation protocol; and, 2) a teacher interview protocol—designed to document the impact of reform-based professional development with undergraduate mathematics and science faculty, and its impact on the resultant preparation of teachers. Constructed upon review of the research on teaching and standards documents in mathematics and science, these instruments form the basis for data collection in a three-year longitudinal study of teaching practice among early career teachers as well as undergraduate college faculty. In addition, we suggest further applications of the observation protocol beyond the original …


The Use Of Traditional And Contemporary Instructional Strategies And Materials In The Elementary Mathematics Classroom, J. E. Riley Jan 2003

The Use Of Traditional And Contemporary Instructional Strategies And Materials In The Elementary Mathematics Classroom, J. E. Riley

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Elementary school teachers were surveyed about the strategies and materials they use to teach elementary school mathematics. A list of twenty strategies and materials derived from the Changes in Content and Emphasis sections of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics were examined [1]. These strategies represent both contemporary and traditional approaches to the teaching of mathematics. Teachers were asked to respond to each survey item by indicating how often these strategies were used in their classrooms. The findings were compared to the goals of the NCTM Standards to assess how much …