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  Session: Post-deadline I
  Paper Type: Contributed
  Title: Revised Curriculum for the Mechanics IPLS Course at Towson University
  Meeting: 2017 Winter Meeting: Atlanta, Georgia
  Location: N/A
  Date:
  Time: 3:50PM
  Author: Katarzyna A. Oldak,, Towson University,
4107043187, koldak@towson.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: We report our improvements to the introductory algebra-based mechanics course to make it more accessible and relevant to life-science majors. We have modified the usual curriculum to include more fluids and expanded on the topic of air resistance and how it might affect the motion of small organisms. These changes in the lecture are also reflected in the labs (one two-week lab sequence has the students modeling air drag using Euler’s formula in Excel as objects fall from rest) and in-class activities (worksheets are passed out during some lecture days and students solve problems in class with the help of the lecturer and TAs). Emphasis is placed on problem solving, so the students can apply the concepts before they are faced with similar questions on homework assignments. There is higher student interest in enrolling in these revised sections, rather than traditional mechanics course, which is still offered.
  Footnotes: None
  Presentation: K_Oldak_AAPT.pptx

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