will Social Security survive?
 

Current Training Available

Portland State University

Jul 19 to Aug 12, 2010, MTWR, 8:30–10:20 am
3 credits, Neuberger Hall, Room 461


Math 488/588 — Topics in Technology for Mathematics Teachers

This course will focus on the use of technology to create and analyze simulations that represent different rates of change and accumulations. Examples used in class will come from environmental science, biology, health, physics, economics, and the social sciences. The focus is on the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts. It will be a hands-on course. Although primarily intended for teachers at the high school level, some models could be used at the middle school.

Additional training times currently available starting August 16, 2010 through the fall of 2010.

Future Possible Training Formats

Two-hour Presentation — “Exposure to the Use of Simulation Models in Teaching High School Math and Science” available free in the Portland, Oregon Metro area for the 2010–2011 school year.

1.5 Day Training — Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling, 1 credit
(Potential Schedule: 7 hours on a Friday, and 3 hours on a Saturday)

This would be a hands-on computer course. Teachers will learn to build small models using generic structures that could apply to multiple disciplines. Simple feedback mechanisms will be introduced. Lessons are provided for immediate use in the high school math and/or science classroom.

 
30 Hours of Level I Training — System Dynamics Modeling I, 3 credits
(Potential Schedule: 3 hours on Saturday morning for 10 weeks)

The course would be similar in nature to the summer course at PSU, described above, although the focus would not need be primarily on teaching mathematical concepts). This would be a hands-on computer course. Teachers will progress beyond generic structure models and analyze simple feedback in the models they create. Models will apply to multiple disciplines. Appropriate for math (algebra, pre-calculus, calculus), science (especially environmental science, physics, biology), health, economics, and social science teachers.

30 Hours of Level II Training — System Dynamics Modeling II, 3 credits
(Potential Schedule: 3 hours on Saturday morning for 10 weeks)
Prerequisite: Level I Training

The Level II course would take the teacher/student further into modeling dynamic systems. This would be a hands-on computer course. Students will learn to build dynamic parameter structures and use information and material delays in their models. Feedback analysis will become more extensive. Students will build more original models from their area of interest.

Although the Level I and Level II training is intended for teachers, it would be appropriate for business persons who would like to learn this type of modeling to help them analyze the dynamics of problem behavior in their business. Especially in the Level II training, where more original problems are open for study, students outside the school environment would find the curriculum more flexible and appropriate for their area of interest

 

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