9450765 Ostebee A curriculum and materials development project focusing on multivariate calculus builds on and extends the work by the PI's on single variable calculus. Faculty at St. Olaf College are writing, field-testing, and disseminating complete course materials, including a textbook, for a rethought multivariable calculus course that emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and analytical reasoning skills. The course and its supporting materials share a pervasive mathematical theme and a consistent pedagogical strategy: to combine, compare, and move among graphical, numerical, and algebraic viewpoints on calculus. Graphical, numerical, and symbolic computing technology is used to support this emphasis. The materials use technology freely but are not bound to any specific hardware or software platform. The technology requirements are defined generically in terms of functionalities, rather than by brand name. The text assumes that students have access to technology that has at least the capabilities of a CAS. Specific applications to a particular CAS can be found in supplements and lab manuals.
