Undergraduate Sustainability Experiences in Mathematics

该项目正在创建一套学习模块，突出数学如何在理解可持续性问题和帮助解决该领域出现的相关问题方面发挥作用。这些单元被设计为以独立模式或彼此协调使用，以形成跨越多个课时的学习单元。这些单元让学生参与基于发现的学习，包括主动数据收集，并利用技术，如在移动设备上使用基于网络的地图工具。试点测试正在多个机构进行，教员首先参加研讨会，在那里他们合作创建材料。通过使用既定的评估工具，该项目正在增加STEM本科教育研究的知识库，确定解决这些模块在改善学生知识和技能以及改变对数学的有用性的态度方面的有效性的因素。该项目的学术价值在于它使用了可持续发展，这是一个跨越科学和社会科学的主题，影响到所有个人的个人生活和公共公民，作为激励学生学习的背景。该项目承诺通过让不同机构的数十名教职员工参与创建、测试和随后实现模块来产生广泛的影响。

This project is creating a suite of learning modules that highlight how mathematics plays a role in understanding issues in sustainability and helping to solve associated problems arising in that area. The modules are designed for use in a stand-alone mode or in concert with one another to form a unit of study stretching across multiple class periods. The units engage students in discovery based learning, including active data collection, and they exploit technology such as the use of Web-based mapping tools on mobile devices. Pilot testing is taking place at a variety of institutions with faculty first attending workshops where they collaboratively create materials. Through the use of established assessment tools the project is adding to the knowledge base of research in STEM undergraduate education by determining factors that address the effectiveness of the modules in improving student knowledge and skills and in changing attitudes about the usefulness of mathematics. The intellectual merit of the project lies in its use of sustainability - a theme that spans the sciences and the social sciences, and affects all individuals in their personal lives and as public citizens, as the motivating context to engage student learning. The project promises broad impact through its involvement of dozens of faculty members at a diverse set of institutions for creating, testing, and subsequent implementation of the modules.