writing problems for solution with technology dr. steve armstrong letourneau university longview, tx...
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Writing Problems for Solution with Technology
Dr. Steve ArmstrongLeTourneau UniversityLongview, TX
Welcome to Texas
Words of Wisdom from Texas
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Words of Wisdom from Texas
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.
Words of Wisdom from Texas
Never order chicken fried steak in a restaurant without a juke box.
Words of Wisdom from Texas
Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
Words of Wisdom from Texas
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Writing Problems for Solution with Technology
Dr. Steve ArmstrongLeTourneau UniversityLongview, TX
Necessity of Technology
Messy numbersFunctions that are difficult to graphVarieties of regression seek to find an appropriate modeling
function
Multiple views of a problem graphical numerical symbolic textual
Motivation
Develop students' abilities to think mathematicallyNeed for good judgment about mathematical claims advertisers government media
Problems should … require thought and analysis development ability to communicate results
Sources for Problems
World Almanac population figures finance figures sports results
Amusement parks physics motion business strategies
Sources for Problems
World Wide Web science news graphs "off the wall" facts
Interesting quotes
Warning: take care lifting questions from existing text books
Jail Releases Upset Judges
Writing the Questions
Begin with statements that grab the students' interest "Recent evidence of skin cancer caused by
excessive sun exposure has made us aware of the intensity of the sun. When might be the best/worst time of day to soak up sun?"
"A TV satellite dish service has hired you as a consultant to determine the best price for the initial fees for their dish and receiver."
"Consider a recent e-mail hoax about Bill Gates. People who participated in a pyramid e-mail experiment would be eligible for the prize of a trip to Disney World."
Writing the Questions
Two possible approaches: Present total task in detail, students come up
with all of solution Lead students through derivation of
intermediate formulas, functions, relationships
Occasionally state questions a bit loosely Real life problems are rarely accurately and
succinctly stated
Ask for preliminary guesses, reassessment
Use a Variety of Viewpoints
Numeric tables of values dimensions distances profit, loss
View results of graphs max, min, roots, intersections combining functions
(arithmetically, composition)
Can give clues as to the window required to graph a function
Use a Variety of Viewpoints
Symbolic representation manipulated with technology enables proofs necessary for communication
Pictures, diagrams for description of original problem may be to scale or purposefully generic may be required as part of solution
Describe Solutions
Written format require full sentences well formed paragraphs labeled diagrams
Verbal presentations use of visuals encourage presentation technology
Post web pages
Problem Categories
Find real data plot the data points use regression for a modeling function
Given two functions graphed together, what questions can be asked?
Problem Categories
Use Parametric EquationsModel objects moving on the graph as a function of time straight line, spirals, circular
••time
0
Problem Categories
Model two objects that must (not) meetMeasure distance between the moving objects
Use parametric equations
Levels of Problems
Usually we do not write our own homework questionsMore likely to write test questions write them to require technology
Also write project questions for a one day exercise for a long term for groups or for individuals
Group Project Management
Best to assign the groups randomize and manually alter as needed
Assign locations for group gatheringAssign one person to be the "scribe" who will record the official resultsProvide a handout that precisely describes the task to be performed, problem to be solved
Project Grading
Instructor should carefully read the handout note specific answers asked for assign values to be awarded create a grading checklist
Inform students how grade is weighted in relation to total term gradeAward bonus points for … extra elegance portions of the problem early or first submission
A Project for this Workshop
A problem for solution with technology concerning a rollercoaster.
Roller Coaster Questions
Which is the best seat? see better in front seat pull higher g's in back
(100 feet from front)
Millennium Force facts 310 foot high hill
(300 foot drop) first hill 80° angle 92 mph max track length 6595 feet ride takes 2:45 Facts about the Millennium Force
Roller Coaster Questions
What comparisons/contrasts can you make?
Roller Coaster Questions
The newest coasteris 420 feet highGoes from 0 to 120 mph in 4 secMore Facts
Your Task …
Write a problem that requires technology for its solutionUse whatever portion of the facts about the ride that you chooseTry to use/require all of symbolic, numeric, graphic, textual expressionsLead students through solution stepsFinal objective must be clearly statedSuggest enrichment/elegance pursuitsSpecify level: algebra, precalc, calculus
Teams
Gather in groups of 4 – 5 peoplePerson in group with first letter of family name closest to end of alphabet is the scribeWrite up your problemAnother group will use checklist to evaluate your submission
F.Y.I.
Technology used: Ink Link pen, by Seico
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