Tejan Tingling

The Community College of Baltimore County

Innovations 2013

Elementary Algebra and Basic Physical Science

combined course

The Beginnings

• Wife and board• Innovation of CCBC• ALP (Accelerated Learning

Program) and AMP (Accelerated Mathematics Program)

The Idea

• Follow AMP model with Elementary Algebra and General Physical Science

• Integrated topics• 2 grades earned• “Just in time” remediation

Elementary Algebra Topics

• Linear Equations in One Variable & Applications

• Linear Inequalities in One Variable • Linear Equations and Graphing• Systems of Linear Equations • Exponents • Polynomials • Factoring

Text: Introductory Algebra Text by CCBC Mathematics Faculty

• Linear Motion • Nonlinear Motion • Newton’s Laws of Motion • Momentum • Energy • Rotational Motion • Gravity • Satellite Motion • The Atomic Nature of Matter • Solids • Liquids • Gases

Text: Conceptual Physics by Hewitt; changed to College Physics by Serway/Vuille with supplements via web

General Physical Science Topics

Problem-Based Learning

• Worked with Physics faculty to create lead-in exercises

• Some topics had to be done separately (exponents, atomic structure, states of matter, and others)

• Attempted shoehorned Systems of Equations/ Momentum

The 400 pound gorilla

How many students sign up for the course?

Structure of course

• Elementary Algebra: 3 tests and cumulative final exam

• General Physical Science: 4 tests

• Quizzes throughout courses (9 total)

Results

Student 1(poor attendance; stopped attending after 8th week; had B in both courses at time): Math: F, Physics: F

Student 2 (taking Math 082 for second time): Math: F, Physics: D

Student 3: Math: A, Physics: B

Issues and Next Steps

• Am I a dreamer?• How to attract students to science at lower

math levels?• How to effectively connect mathematics to

science courses while creating acceleration?

• In process of combining College Physics and Applied Algebra with trigonometry courses.

Thank you!!

Questions and Discussion