Mathematics Laboratory for Calculus III and Differential Equations

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Macintosh computers with Maple software are being used in a laboratory component of calculus III and differential equations. The implementation of this plan is affecting students in the mathematics and pre-engineering programs. The introduction of computer technology as a laboratory tool in calculus III and differential equations is enhancing the teaching of these courses in many ways. The opportunity for the student to create many examples allows the student to make and test more conjectures than would be possible without technology. The computers allow for the introduction of more sophisticated examples from real data. This technology enables the student to see mathematics as an active tool for solving realistic problems, as opposed to viewing it as an abstract, isolated discipline. The impact of the project is reaching beyond the scope of these two courses. The pedagogy developed during this program is intended to enable the mathematics department to create laboratory components in future courses in the mathematics program. *