Mathematica Laboratory Projects for Calculus and Applied Mathematics

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The project directors are designing and constructing Mathematica computer laboratory notebooks for calculus and applied mathematics. This builds on Bowdoin College's three years of experience as the Mathematica laboratory development site for Project CALC, the calculus reform program from Duke University. The primary focus of the development efforts is on applications from other disciplines which are new to the calculus and applied mathematics curriculum. The calculus laboratory development effort has multivariable calculus as a primary emphasis. The materials produced are being disseminated, and instructors using the laboratories are being supplied with training and ongoing support. Dissemination of the laboratories and support of instructors using the materials is being accomplished by (1) a three-day summer faculty workshop entitled "Laboratory Instruction with Mathematica," (2) a dissemination network which includes distribution of Mathematica notebooks via FTP and disk mailings, (3) publications, and (4) presentations and workshops at regional and national meetings. This project is adding Mathematica laboratory notebooks to the collection of materials currently available for revitalized courses in calculus and applied mathematics. These notebooks are distinguished by their complete development of topics under study, their focus on models from other disciplines, and their use of graphics routines to develop geometric understanding. Aggressive dissemination of the notebooks is encouraging the adoption of Mathematica into calculus and applied mathematics courses, providing students with a research-level tool which can be carried on to other courses in mathematics, the sciences, and economics.