Applied Mathematics News

Students in physics performed a lab called The Ballistic Pendulum, in which they used newly purchased lab equipment to launch steel balls into a pendulum cup. Using the principles of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, the students were able to calculate the velocity of the steel ball as it left the launcher. They then applied dynamics to predict the range that the launcher would fire the steel ball, and tested this in the hallway by firing the ball horizontally off a desk and having it leave a mark on a sheet of paper.

In the first photo, physics students, Ryan Harman and Neill Baker, are making measurements with the pendulum in lab. In the second photo, Ginell McLean is launching the projectile in the hallway. If you look closely you can actually see the faint arc of the projectile as it passes!

Stevenson Math & Education students are learning Geometry in a unique way this semester – by teaching it. Rather than a traditional lecture, students work together to find solutions and prove geometric theorems. The class strengthens their mathematical knowledge and prepares students who are interested in education to teach these results to others.

The small class sizes here mean that every student gets the chance to present almost every class. Even in an abstract mathematics class, Stevenson students are working toward a career and building communication skills that will serve them regardless of where they go after college.

Students in Ms. Thairen Dade‘s math class are busy throughout class. After Ms. Dade gives a brief introduction to the new material, students work in groups on problems, work on the board and share their work with peers in the class. Ms. Dade has found that students learn better this way and greatly benefit from all the in-class practice.

Math majors were invited to a breakfast to have a chance to welcome our new freshmen and say hi to other math majors. At the event, our seniors shared details of their current capstone internships and everyone offered advice to our freshmen on ways to succeed. Events such as these allow students a chance to talk with each other and with the faculty in the department.