MATH 297- Mission Possible: Math, Science, and Technology

 

 

 

 

Course Description:

There is a need to develop basic earth and space science concepts because all people should ultimately participate in the pleasure of knowing how their universe fits together and functions. Thus, you should have an understanding of the composition of the cosmos and its scale of space and time, the principles on which the universe appears to operate, and how the modern view of the universe emerged. For example, two phenomena that embrace both earth and space science, and that are usually not well-learned, are the phases of the moon and seasons. The understanding of both of these concepts would be greatly facilitated through the use of geometry. You should also know what causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods and how these events, and others, shape the surface of their planet. The impact of such long-term effects can be demonstrated through the effect of multiplying tiny fractions by very large numbers (slow rates by long times).


Through problem-centered integrated laboratory/math activities the course will provide you with opportunities to address the questions “How do we know what we know?”; “How do we test our beliefs?”, therefore experiencing the process of science as described in both the NSES and Project 2061.


Furthermore, in methods classes we discuss thematic teaching and integrating math with other subjects, but rarely do we do more than token modeling. This course will use earth and space science as the vehicle to teach the math and math applications throughout the semester – it is intended to be a complete modeling experience.

Scale Model of the Solar System
Concept Maps!!!

Course Objectives

The goals of this course are for students:

  1. to become more “scientifically literate” in the domain of earth and space science
  2. to gain an appreciation for how mathematics is an integral part of understanding science and therefore life, and how it facilitates the understanding of science
  3. to gain an appreciation for the history and nature of science and mathematics
  4. to gain an understanding of technology as a learning tool in a K-8 classroom

 
Topographic Map
Phases of the Moon

 

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