Hendrix College proposes to establish a computer laboratory to continue improvement in Calculus and Differential Equations consistent with the following objectives: (1) present concepts in a meaningful context; (2) use writing as an effective learning tool; (3) nurture collaborative learning among the students; and (4) develop an environment for discovery learning. For the past five years, the Mathematics Department has made incremental, innovative changes in its Calculus III sequence by introducing writing assignments and computer laboratories which integrate writing and numeric, graphic, and symbolic computations using the "notebook" feature of Mathematica on the Macintosh. The Department is poised to implement similar curricular enhancements in Calculus III and Differential Equations. However, these courses require more extensive computations to visualize and explore concepts in a dynamic, collaborative environment, and existing equipment is not adequate to perform these tasks. This proposal requests funds to (1) establish a student computer laboratory to run Mathematica satisfactorily, (2) provide a mobile computer workstation for classroom demonstrations, and (3) upgrade two workstations for faculty developing and teaching the courses. The requested equipment is designed to sustain cumulative improvement through incremental curricular change initiated within the context of institutional needs and resources. Diverse materials generated by other calculus reform and writing across the curriculum initiatives are evaluated and then adapted to meet local objectives. This approach not only serves as a model to other institutions who share the desire to invigorate their curriculum, but it also stimulates the utilization of these valuable materials to do so.
