 Caging the Capybara: Understanding Functions through ModelingTim Erickson ()
Chapter Chapter 7 in Mit Werkzeugen Mathematik und Stochastik lernen – Using Tools for Learning Mathematics and Statistics, 2014, pp 85-95 from Springer Abstract: Abstract How do advances in technology expand and improve the ways we can teach about mathematical functions? In addition to indispensable tools for dealing with stochastics, technology gives us modeling tools: tools that enhance data analysis by letting students graph functions with their data, create new computed variables, and control model functions dynamically by varying the functions’ parameters. In this paper, we will use an extended example—an optimization task we will call the “Capybara Problem”—to show how we can use these tools to address common difficulties students have with functions. This paper describes seven different approaches to this problem, beginning at the concrete end of the spectrum— using physical materials to represent the problem and its constraints—and then gradually introducing abstraction in the form of variables and functions. Technology supports students throughout this process, helping them understand the nature of variables, and helping them learn to construct symbolic functions and to meaning in their forms and parameters. Date: 2014 There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it. Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-658-03104-6_7 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-03104-6_7 Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Springer Books from Springer |
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