Your success in Trigonometry this semester is our primary concern!
Among the academic deficiencies regularly observed by instructors of entry
level mathematics courses are the problems that students have with (1) dealing
with mathematical problems presented in prose style, i.e., reading mathematical
statements for meaning, (2) modeling mathematical applications geometrically
and algebraically, and (3) communicating their results in writing. The application
of Trigonometry to the biological sciences is particularly fertile ground
for addressing these deficiencies because of the nature of this course of
study; it enables us to describe periodic phenomena through readily available
mathematical models.
The purpose of the RaMMP materials is to contribute directly to improving
your critical thinking skills by developing units to train you in techniques
of reading applied mathematical problems in prose form, developing mathematical
models, and drawing conclusions. The problems involve applications to the
biological sciences in the Trigonometry (MATH 1613) course curriculum. The
primary development activities include independent web-based interactive
units using Maple TA for reading and modeling four selected applications
from the biological sciences that are included in the trigonometry curriculum.
The applications are: (1) blood pressure, (2) biorhythms, (3) body temperature,
and (4) predator-prey analysis.
The components of the RaMMP materials are:
Part I - How to Read Mathematics for Meaning -- Making Sense
of Mathematical Prose
Part II - Modeling Applications from the Biological Sciences 1. Blood Pressure
2. Biorhythms
3. Body Temperature
4. Preditor-Prey Analysis
Part III - Appendices
Appendix 1: How to Study Math - Improving Your Critical Thinking Skills
Appendix 2: How to Use the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
You can access these RaMMP materials on line by scrolling down to the link
you want.
Good Luck!
Douglas B. Aichele
Alan V. Noell
Part I - How to Read Mathematics for Meaning - Making Sense of Mathematical
Prose
We have written a brief statement that we hope will help you improve your
mathematical reading and writing skills. Click on this link for the RaMMP
reading materials. RaMMP Reading Mathematics for
Meaning.
Part II - Modeling Applications from the Biological Sciences
We have prepared modeling exercises in four areas: (1) predator-prey analysis,
(2) body temperature, (3) blood pressure, and (4) biorhythms applied to
trigonometry. You will be required to complete these exercises on line using
Maple TA. Click on this link to access the on line exercises. RaMMP
Exercises.
Part III - Appendices
Appendix 1: How to Study Math (SM-numbered pages)
College Algebra is a prerequisite to studying Trigonometry. The reason for
this is simply that the mathematical tools developed in algebra are used
throughout the study of trigonometry; on a daily basis you will be using
algebra skills! We have included some information from College Algebra that
we thought would be helpful to you now as an appendix. Beyond skills from
College Algebra, we have included some general tips on how to be successful
in entry level math courses -- take a minute and look them over!
How to be Successful in Beginning Math Courses (SM-1)
Appendix 2: How to Use the TI-83Plus Graphing Calculator (GC-numbered pages)
The graphing calculator is not a required tool in Trigonometry. However,
it is strongly recommended because it can help you visually better understand
the relationships that exist among the trigonometric functions and applications
involving them. Links to a few programs related to using the TI-83Plus effectively
are given below.
Credits. The Reading and Modeling Mathematical
Problems project is made possible through funding to Oklahoma State
University from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. It is based on work
sponsored wholly, or in part, by the Howard Hughes Program for Retention
of Undergraduates in the Biological Sciences at Oklahoma State University.
