Project PreCALC: Pre-Calculus as a Laboratory Course

项目PreCALC（PreCalculus作为实验室课程）的目的是用一门新的课程，运动和变化的数学来取代Precalculus数学。这门新课程旨在为技术密集型，实验室为基础的微积分课程做准备，并满足理科学生的数学需求，本课程旨在为他们的主要课程的成功衔接做准备。除了微积分所需的技能内容，本课程强调积极和合作的学习和学生的书面和口头沟通能力在数学的发展。 每学期，科学和数学系的20名新生预计将参加项目PreCALC课程的实验部分。在计算机实验室环境中，他们使用数据，图形和公式来探索功能，运动和变化的概念。他们应用合适的技术工具来寻找解决科学中现实世界问题的方法。通过这个过程，他们加强了对数学在科学发展和实践中的作用的理解。 学生去微积分我监测和比较与其他学生通常注册的课程。其他学生的进步可以定性和定量监测方面的沟通和解决问题的技能，在他们随后的主要课程。 2年后，该项目可以通过分析学生在微积分I的成功参与进行评估，或者对于没有继续微积分的学生，通过评估学生将获得的数学理解应用于其专业相关课程的能力进行评估。

The purpose of Project PreCALC (PreCalculus As a Laboratory Course) is to replace Precalculus Mathematics with a new course, Mathematics of Motion and Change. This new course is designed to serve as a preparation for the technology-intensive, laboratory-based, calculus program and a fulfillment of the mathematical needs of science students for whom this course is intended as preparation for successful articulation of their major curriculum. In addition to the skills content needed for calculus, this course stresses active and cooperative learning and the development of students' written and oral communication skills in mathematics. Each semester, 20 freshmen in the Division of Science and Mathematics are expected to enroll in an experimental section of the Project PreCALC course. In a computer laboratory setting, they use data, graphs, and formulas to explore the concepts of functions, motion, and change. They apply suitable technological tools to finding solutions for real-world problems in the sciences. Through this process, they strengthen their understanding of the role of mathematics in the development and practice of science. Students going on to Calculus I are monitored and compared with other students normally registered for the course. The progress of the other students can be qualitatively and quantitatively monitored with respect to communication and problem-solving skills in their subsequent major course. After 2 years, the project can be evaluated through analysis of students' successful participation in Calculus I or, for students who do not go on to calculus, through assessment of students' abilities to apply the mathematical understanding gained to relevant courses in their majors.