Interactive Visualization across the Curriculum Matthias Kawski Department of Mathematics Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona U.S.A. http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Thanks for generous support by Department of Mathematics Center for Research in Education of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Arizona State University INTEL Corporation through grant 98-34 National Science Foundation through the grants DUE 97-52453 Vector Calculus via Linearization: Visualization and Modern Applications DMS 00-72369 Algebra and Geometry of Nonlinear Control Systems EEC 98-02942 Engineering Foundation Coalition http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
“Across” the Curriculum Moved practically all courses aggressively into predominantly electronic format, emphasizing interactive visualization, exploration and experimentation – but also proving via programming or via CAS. Last 5 years: Vector Calculus Differential Equations Linear Algebra Calculus I, II, III Adv. Engineering Math [[Advanced Calculus]] [How to write a proof.] Differential Geometry Complex Analysis Partial Diff. Equations Techn. in Classroom Advanced Math via CAS http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Everything is on the WWW. . . . . . the key is to use it intelligently! Reconsider purpose/objectives of each course... Reconsider selection of content / specific topics Reconsider choice of delivery methods “Inquiry-based learning” Doing math = experiment, make observations, conjecture, further test, formulate theorem, prove definition, axiomatize…. Concentrate on core topics, and study these in depth There are very few fundamental concepts, emphasize “coherence”, Build rich “rooted” concept (“procept”) images (often w/ visual core!!!) . . . . and remember them for life (as opposed to: memorize lots of formulas for next exam only) Efficiency and effectiveness Intense, highly interactive sessions via modern software tools. Continuous assessment & evaluation, permitting and relying on WWW... http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
E.g. choice between CAS and JAVA Selected parameters preprogrammed freely available WWW, JAVA 2 mouse-clicks, “kinesthetic” completely flexible start-up costs both time & $$$ command line Coming next: Selected examples from Differential geometry Complex Analysis Vector Calculus http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
JAVA 2 or CAS? Complex analysis Convergence of Laurent series Zooming on essential singularities Winding numbers & branch cuts Conformal mappings http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Differential Geometry, Gauss curvature After proving (!) e.g. the Theorema Egregium with MAPLE ((-- is that really doing mathematics?? ask Thurston!)), the real exciting math is just beginning! http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
JAVA 2 or CAS? Differential Geometry Geodesic spheres, distance function Conjugate points, focusing/curvature Visualizing tensors http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Vector calculus: Curl & divergence The central object of study in vector calculus. A horrible formula that few students remember beyond the next exam. Traditionally: almost exclusive use of algebraic symbols little insight (one-sided, or fragmented, concept image) major hurdle for re-entry students invitation to further study higher math? http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Curl & divergence derivatives? http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Curl: Coherence. ) or fragmentation. ) and connections, i. e Curl: Coherence*) or fragmentation? *) and connections, i.e. hyperlinked architecture in brain just as on WWW http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
Compartmentalization / Fragmentation ! Complex Analysis Linear Algebra Differential Equations http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
JAVA - Vector field analyzer Interactively zoom (move the lens!) to see derivatives of vector fields, curl and divergence, ..... Switch to flows – connect VC w/ DEs Coming soon: Line / flux integrals http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu
This was just a “teaser”! Also p.65: Friday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. NSF – DUE CCLI poster session Sheraton, Pontchartrin A 3rd floor Course materials JAVA applets CAS worksheets past conference presentations (mostly .ppt ) (p)reprints of published articles are, of course, all on the WWW ...... just use your favorite search engine, and look for “kawski” http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski http://math.la.asu.edu/~kawski kawski@asu.edu