Mathematics

As our math intern and leader of the CS/Math Club, Derek has brought exciting experiences and insight to this new group. During his visit to Harvey Mudd College in California for an Admitted Students Program, he sat in on classes and connected with a vibrant community of STEM students and faculty.

While there, he had the unique opportunity to meet Francis Su, a mathematics professor and former president of the Mathematical Association of America.

Derek shares:

We had a conversation at length about the role that Mathematics plays in our lives as learners and teachers, and how fulfilling it can be when it encourages our curiosity and how it serves us best as a set of virtues we grow from more than a set of skills.

Prof. Su wrote about these ideas thoroughly in Mathematics for Human Flourishing (2020), a text that Derek and Jess are using for his internship in Math Pedagogy and Practice. What a wonderful opportunity!

The Calculus students studied hard preparing for their AP exams during a multi-day retreat at Smith Mountain Lake. But can you imagine a nicer way to study math?

The Statistics class used linear regression models to predict how many rubber bands they needed to use on Barbie’s bungee cord to allow for maximum fun without cracking her head open.

In the study of calculus, one of the most fascinating applications is understanding motion through derivatives. This concept allows students to explore the relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration. Using motion-sensor carts, our students saw these mathematical principles come to life by testing their initial predictions against real-life data. These hands-on experiments helped solidify their understanding of how calculus describes motion, providing a clear visual representation of how derivatives work.

The Calculus students were challenged with matching graphs, equations, and limit statements during class. By analyzing the graphs for key features, identifying the type of function each equation represented, and evaluating what each limit statement implied about the function’s behavior, this activity helped students to visualize the mathematical concepts they are studying.

Beautiful weather can equal math fun! Our Geometry students calculated the area and circumference of circles imprinted by popping colored bubbles on paper.

Check out these 2-dimensonal imaginary friends the geometry students created to practice finding the area of polygons.