Interdisciplinary+&+Experiential

**Department Vision or Purpose:** The Math Department believes that it is important for students to see the connections between mathematics and the other disciplines, and for students to understand the role mathematics plays in their lives. We also believe that the students should be able to recognize, understand, and use the relationships between the various mathematical subjects (e.g. algebra, geometry, etc.). Thus, in our classes, we assign problems which help students to make these connections. The types of problems assigned involve physics, economics, data-analysis, probability, and mixture problems. In almost every class, algebra and geometry concepts are used to solve problems and to verify concepts. Similarly, many of the proofs of the theorems in a pre-calculus class can be proved using geometry, and the pre-calculus material is used to help solve calculus problems. Our future goal is to incorporate more computer science based projects in the math curriculum. In particular we recognize the need for students to learn to write computer programs. While it is important for students to appreciate the applications of mathematical concepts to other disciplines and to their daily lives, we also understand that it is equally important for the student to see the inherent beauty of the mathematics. Thus, we also have students prove the theorems in a geometry class and use geometer’s sketchpad to deepen the student’s understanding of a particular concept in calculus and pre-calculus. Worksheets and group work are also used to lead students through the discovery of a variety of mathematical concepts. The Math Department will continue to explore ways either through the use of projects or lab activities to help the students develop an even greater sense of the applications and beauty of mathematics. **Implementations:** Middle School Computer Science · Web Design project involving global warming, literature, and technology (2009) · Design a variety of structures using Google Sketch up (2009) · Robotics Course– integrating Math and Science (2010) · Programming – designing programs that emulate scenes from the students’ required reading in English and Social Science (2010) Math 6 · Tessellation Project – Simple artistic designs created by hand · Coordinate Graphing Project – Simple artistic designs (2008) Algebra 2 · Linear Programming – maximizing or minimizing profits and costs in business applications · Circle and Line Picture project – design an original picture using equations and graphs of circles and lines (2008)
 * Mathematics Department **
 * SIP Goal: Interdisciplinary/Experiential Learning **

Geometry Honors · Logic Unit · Logic Circuit Project · Tessellation - Advanced Artistic Designs created using Geometer’s Sketchpad (2008) · Riemann Sums Project – Introduction to a calculus concept (2008) Geometry · Sherlock Holmes “Silver Blaze” – Application of logic unit concepts  through student discussion · Geometer’s Sketchpad labs on parallel lines and exterior angles of a triangle · Dream House project, using Google Earth Pre-Calculus Honors · Finance Project – Updated the project to include credit card debt, home loans, student loans, etc (2008) · Geometer’s Sketchpad Lab – Transformations of Functions (2009) · Worksheets on Exponential & Logarithms as a transformation of functions · Worksheet on Sinusoidal Models Pre-Calculus · Linear and Angular experiential activity · Sinusoidal Modeling · Shadow Wash Dilation Project Advanced Pre-Calculus · Data Analysis activities · Worksheet on Parabolic Motion Problems · Polar Functions Project (2009) · Worksheet on Sinusoidal Models · Parametric nautical application, “Ships in the Fog” A.P. Calculus 1 · Students write a paper or powerpoint responding to the essential questions. · Geometer’s Sketchpad Lab – Rolle’s and Mean Value Theorems · Optimization business, geometry, and physics applications · Related Rates and other physics applications Differential Calculus · Optimization business, geometry, and physics applications · Related Rates and other physics applications AP Calculus 2 · Modeling physical and electrical systems · Optimization of multivariable functions such as those found in economic systems AP Statistics
 * Growth rates of mangrove trees. Joint project with Environmental Science