|
Location:
|
HC 3053 |
|
Date:
|
Monday, Aug.1 |
|
Time:
|
|
|
Author:
|
Fred Thomas, Sinclair Community College
937-832-0792, fred.thomas@mathmachines.net
|
|
Co-Author(s):
|
Robert Chaney
|
|
Abstract:
|
Math Machines is a unique technology that establishes explicit links to mathematics and engineering within physics labs and student-focused classrooms. Students design and test free-form mathematical functions to control engineering-style physical systems and complete immediate, physical and dynamic tasks. Examples include programming a light to follow an accelerating object, programming an astronomical clock to replicate the motions of the moon, programming motions of a platform to simulate earthquakes of arbitrary magnitude, and programming red, green and blue lights to display oscillating colors in various combinations. Equipment is inexpensive, consisting primarily of such things as a hobby servo motor and a 3-color LED in combination with a SensoDAQ or NI myDAQ computer interface. Schools are encouraged to build similar equipment and share it with math, science, engineering and technology teachers in their region.
|
|
Footnotes:
|
Supported in part by NSF?s Advanced Technological Education Program through grant DUE-1003381. More information is available at www.mathmachines.net.
|
|
|
|