Integrated Physical, Mathematical and Computer Modeling of Simple Dynamical Systems: Constructing an Understanding of the Earth

通过这个项目，实验室的经验，在两个类，介绍地球系统科学课程和高级地球化学课程，重新设计。 这两门课程都强调自然系统的行为和相互关系，并向学生展示定量方法解决科学问题的力量。 通过将简单的物理模型与数学建模（高年级学生）和简单的计算机建模（两个级别）相结合，学生不仅可以更深入地了解他们所研究的特定系统，而且可以深入了解具有许多实际应用的整个一类问题。 在入门课程中，学生建立一个单一的动力系统的物理和计算机模型。 这种方法有几个优点：（1）学生通过使用他们已经很好理解的系统来获得计算机建模的信心。 (2)计算机建模是创造性的，学生既分析一个情况，又设计它的解决方案。 (3)单箱模型是一个灵活的系统，很容易适应各种各样的自然现象的研究。 (4)通过适当的软件，入门级学生可以进行模型构建。 (5)一个盒子模型的数学描述是掌握基本微积分技能的学生，地质专业学生可以获得将数学技术应用于实际问题的经验。 这项工作是开放式的。 学生开始在观察的坚实平台，并与理论和计算机技能武装，从而使他们能够探索一系列的问题，其解决方案需要创造性和批判性思维。 该项目提供了七台新的PowerMacintosh计算机，两台打印机，建模软件和网络硬件。

Through this project, the laboratory experiences in two classes, an introductory earth systems science course and an upper-level geochemistry course, are redesigned. Both courses emphasize the behavior and interrelationships of natural systems and demonstrate to students the power of a quantitative approach to problem-solving in science. By combining simple physical models with mathematical modeling (for upper-level students) and simple computer modeling (both levels), students not only gain a deeper understanding of the particular system they've studied, but gain insight into an entire class of problems with many practical applications. In the intro-level course, students build identical physical and computer models of a one-box dynamical system. This approach has several advantages: (1) Students gain confidence in computer modeling by working with a system that they already understand well. (2) Computer modeling is creative, students both analyze a situation and design its solution. (3) The one-box model is a flexible system, easily adapted for study of a wide variety of natural phenomena. (4) With appropriate software, model building can be carried out by introductory-level students. (5) The mathematical description of a one-box model is well within the grasp of students with basic calculus skills, and geology majors can gain experience in applying mathematical techniques to problems of practical interest. This exercise is open-ended. Students begin on a firm platform of observation and are armed with theory and computer skills, thus allowing them to explore a range of problems whose solutions require creative and critical thinking. This project provides seven new PowerMacintosh computers, two printers, modeling software, and network hardware.