Student Computer Laboratory to Implement Mathematica in the Calculus-Differential Equations Sequence

政府现正进行一项大型重建计划， 微积分微分方程序列，这是教每个 四分之一至约900名学生在科学，工程， 计算机科学 这些学科最基本的概念 正在以图形方式开发， 图形化的发展，预计将导致一个更强大的 对主体的定性直觉。 一旦定性 图形提供的直觉是到位的，学生们有 一个框架，在其中嵌入一个更定量的代数 发展同样的概念。 这种方法将提高 学生分析并解决科学问题的能力 问题 为此，计算机和符号 操作软件提供图形能力。 对该项目同样重要的是交互式笔记本 Mathematica的一个重要特性， 方法纳入实验室项目。 一 这个项目的哲学信念是， 培养直觉;直觉建立数学技能， 使用它们的信心。

A major redevelopment project is being undertaken in the calculus-differential equations sequence which is taught each quarter to about 900 students in the sciences, engineering, and computer science. The most basic concepts of these subjects are being developed graphically, and the visual impact of the graphical development is expected to lead to a stronger qualitative intuition for the subject. Once the qualitative intuition that graphics provides is in place, the students have a framework in which to imbed a more quantitative algebraic development of the same concepts. This approach will enhance the student's ability in analyzing and then solving scientific problems. For these purposes computers and symbolic manipulations software are providing graphical capabilities. Equally important to the project is the interactive notebook feature of Mathematica which is imperative to the exploratory approach incorporated into laboratory projects. A philosophical belief of this project is that experimentation fosters intuition; and intuition builds mathematical skills and the confidence to use them.