This project will develop a collection of hands-on activities that support introductory college mathematics at the Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Precalculus levels. The units will particularly support older students who are coming back to school. There will be student and teacher materials that help convey mathematics within the context of engaging applications and interesting problems. The materials will support a cooperative learning style, with the students doing hands-on group activities during much of class time. The hands-on activities help students visualize mathematics and make connections between the real world and the mathematics. Particular attention will be paid to developing materials for students in teacher preparation programs, and for the faculty who work with these preservice teaching majors. Many mathematical topics will be integrated into each application. The materials will be supported by the use of spreadsheets and the TI-82 calculator. Hands-on activities using cooperative learning will appeal to the learning styles of holistic learners and we believe that the methods encouraged by our materials will engender the support networks that social learners often appreciate. The applications will come from physics, economics, biology, genetics, and other areas of interest to students. These applications provide a context for the mathematics. To insure accuracy, practitioners in a variety of fields will be consulted. Over the two years of funding, units will be developed to support most topics in Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and Precalculus.
