Adding A Computer Laboratory Component in the Math and Physics Curriculum

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A computer component is being added to all first-year calculus classes, integrating a lecture approach with an interactive computer laboratory component centered around Mathematica notebooks on NeXT computers.. The Department is currently implementing an NSF calculus grant - acting as a test site for materials developed at the University of Iowa. In addition, the Department of Physics is integrating Mathematica-based assignments into all first-year calculus-based courses and some higher-level classes. The students' experience in calculus makes this transition possible and effective. The project directors are working closely with a number of other universities which are currently experimenting with similar models, including the University of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse. The materials and experiences are being disseminated through the Rocky Mountain Calculus Project - a consortium of Colorado and Wyoming colleges that fosters Calculus Reform, as well as other forums.