Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Addressing Learning Gaps In Acid-Base Chemistry Using Novel Three-Dimensional Models With Learning Module, Gabrielle Marie Grimes

Theses and Dissertations

Teaching scientific concepts is very complex and includes the discussion and use of different models that support students’ understanding of particle-level interactions and behavior of chemical phenomena. The presented research describes the development of three-dimensional acid-base models and an accompanying learning module to support students’ understanding of the autoionization of water, acidic strength, pH, and Ka in aqueous acid-base chemistry. The model set includes acid and base models embedded with magnets and removable hydrogen atoms or hydroxide groups to model particle-level interactions. The magnetic models allow students to investigate particle-level processes with student-built models of aqueous acid and base systems. …

Making Substitutions Explicit In Sasylf, Michael David Ariotti

Theses and Dissertations

SASyLF is an interactive proof assistant whose goal is to teach: about type systems,

language meta-theory, and writing proofs in general. This software tool stores user-specified

languages and logics in the dependently-typed LF, and its internal proof structure closely

resembles M2+ . This thesis describes a new usability feature of SASyLF, “where” clauses,

which make explicit previously hidden substitutions that arise through constructs in the proof

code, primarily case analyses. An overview of SASyLF and logical frameworks is given, with

motivating examples. The requirements for “where” clauses are discussed, including a formal

definition of correctness. The feature’s implementation in SASyLF …

Effects Of Visualization On Algorithm Comprehension, Matthew Mulvey

Theses and Dissertations

Computer science students are expected to learn and apply a variety of core algorithms which are an essential part of the field. Any one of these algorithms by itself is not necessarily extremely complex, but remembering the large variety of algorithms and the differences between them is challenging. To address this challenge, we present a novel algorithm visualization tool designed to enhance students understanding of Dijkstra’s algorithm by allowing them to discover the rules of the algorithm for themselves. It is hoped that a deeper understanding of the algorithm will help students correctly select, adapt and apply the appropriate algorithm …