1. Integrating Physical Science and Math using Fathom and NetLogo Megan Alex John Bassler Bill Paine Tim Patterson Kate Wintermute

2. Objectives: Estimate half life by analyzing graph Estimate half life by analyzing graph Devise an equation to represent graphical data Devise an equation to represent graphical data Use technology to visually study exponential functions Use technology to visually study exponential functions

3. Students will use the decay model and import the data from Netlogo to Fathom.

4. In importing data from Netlogo to Fathom, students should be able to produce a graph like this.

5. From the graph given, students can fit an equation to the graph using an exponential formula

6. Advantages: Instead of playing make believe, students will see real life examples of mathematical concepts Instead of playing make believe, students will see real life examples of mathematical concepts Visual approach makes for greater understanding of exponential functions Visual approach makes for greater understanding of exponential functions Students gain understanding of computers which is valuable in everyday life Students gain understanding of computers which is valuable in everyday life Science students will learn to view science concepts graphically Science students will learn to view science concepts graphically Due to the inconvenience of direct handling of radioactive materials, this is a better alternative Due to the inconvenience of direct handling of radioactive materials, this is a better alternative

7. Benefits of integrating math and science Half-life is an example of applying math to nature Half-life is an example of applying math to nature Exponential decay can be a difficult idea to grasp conceptually Exponential decay can be a difficult idea to grasp conceptually Reinforcing the concept in math and science Reinforcing the concept in math and science

8. Reaching a diverse population Incorporating multiple approaches allows the lesson to reach a more diverse population Incorporating multiple approaches allows the lesson to reach a more diverse population Many students feel unable to relate to traditional math/science lessons, but this technology gets them more involved in the reasoning behind half life concepts Many students feel unable to relate to traditional math/science lessons, but this technology gets them more involved in the reasoning behind half life concepts

9. Extensions: Population growth Population growth Charging and discharging capacitors Charging and discharging capacitors Damped oscillators Damped oscillators