MATH 372 Mathematical Community Service Projects
1.
Catalog Description
MATH 372
Mathematical Community Service Projects (2) (CR/NC)
Directed group mathematical research in support of volunteer community service projects.
Total credit limited to 8 units. 2 seminars. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and consent of
department chair.
2.
Required Background or Experience
Sufficient mathematical maturity for a particular service project in order to participate effectively.
The level of student preparation for the project will be determined by the instructor, with oversight
by the department chair.
3.
Learning Objectives
The student should:
a) Apply topics learned in other classes (mathematics, computer science, statistics, oral and
written communication, etc.) to real-world mathematical applications.
b) Work with others on a project, develop leadership skills, and gain experience working in a
group setting.
c) Understand the terminology necessary to apply mathematics to another discipline.
d) Develop confidence and expertise in oral presentation of a technical subject.
e) Write a report at an appropriate technical level which can be read and understood by the
beneficiaries of the project.
f) Gain satisfaction in supporting a worthwhile community project.
4.
Text and References
Those which would be appropriate for the proposed undertaking.
5.
Minimum Student Materials
None.
6.
Minimum University Facilities
Classroom with ample chalkboard space for class use, and library facilities.
Math 372, page 2.
7.
Content and Method
Week 1
a) Discussion of the problem
b) Begin research sufficient enough to communicate with benefactors
Week 2
a) Meet with benefactors to discuss problem
b) Reformulate the problem statement into a mathematical statement
c) Contact Campus Community Service Coordinator to check on possibility of financial
support for the project. If necessary, write documentation to support funding request
Week 3
a) Make necessary assumptions with justifications to begin model construction
b) Contact beneficiaries for feedback on reality of assumptions and quality of justifications
Week 4
a) Establish a division of labor that exploits the strengths of the participants
b) Class members work on projects outside of class and report on progress in class
Week 5
a) Class discussion of subprojects continues with an attempt to keep all class members
informed of entire project. Problems encountered by a group brought to the attention of
the entire class for ideas of possible solutions
b) Progress reports due. Compilation of progress written for perusal of benefactors. Request
feedback to be incorporated into projects
Weeks 6, 7 and 8
a) Continuation of work with semiweekly reports and discussions of progress
Weeks 9 and 10
a) Compilation of results and conclusions
b) Construction of report in a format discernible to beneficiaries
c) If necessary, establish guidelines to be followed by class members to complete the project if it
is not finished by the end of the quarter
d) If appropriate, make arrangements to continue support
8.
Methods of Assessment
The quality of the team project paper, with consideration for the amount of contribution from the
individual, will determine a substantial portion of the grade. In addition, classroom participation
will be a factor in assessing student learning.