Collaborative Research: Learning Discrete Mathematics and Computer Science via Primary Historical Sources

跨学科（99）和数学科学（21）。为了振兴离散数学和计算机科学课程，该项目正在开发基于主要历史来源的模块化课程材料，突出或阐明有限数学和算法思想背后的某些概念的发现。最初的20到25个历史项目，从开始到高级本科水平，包括一个跨学科的资源指南，用于各种数学和计算机科学课程。网上版本也可作为在线资源提供。一个由不同机构的教师组成的网络正在课堂上测试这些材料，测试人员也签约创建自己的模块，为主要资源指南做出贡献。该提案的智力价值在于提供动机，观点和方向，这些课程在有限数学，组合学，算法设计，数据结构，逻辑，抽象代数和自动机理论通过检查的主要历史来源，迫使这些学科的发展。该提案的更广泛的影响包括：在各种机构的外部现场测试，从社区学院到四年制文理学院到大型公立大学;教师在使用历史项目方面的专业知识的发展;以及职前教师的数学教育项目。这两个主要机构也有一个显着的西班牙裔学生入学，这进一步增加了该项目的更广泛的影响的潜力。

Interdisciplinary (99) and Mathematical Sciences (21). To invigorate courses in discrete mathematics and computer science, this project is developing modular course materials based on primary historical sources that highlight or illuminate the discovery of certain concepts underlying finite mathematics and algorithmic thought. An initial set of twenty to twenty-five historical projects ranging from a beginning to an advanced undergraduate level comprise an interdisciplinary resource guide for use in a variety of mathematics and computer science courses. A web-based version is also available as an online resource. A network of faculty at a diverse set of institutions is classroom testing the material, with testers also signing on to create their own modules to contribute to the main resource guide. The intellectual merit of the proposal lies in providing motivation, perspective, and direction to these courses in finite mathematics, combinatorics, algorithm design, data structures, logic, abstract algebra, and automata theory via an examination of primary historical sources that compelled the development of these subjects. The broader impacts of the proposal include: external site testing at a diverse collection of institutions, from community colleges to four-year liberal arts colleges to large public universities; the development of faculty expertise in the use of historical projects; and the education of pre-service teachers in mathematics with projects. The two lead institutions also have a significant Hispanic student enrollment, which further increases the project's potential for broader impacts.