Models and Modeling in Engineering Education


Book Description

The book describes how incorporating mathematical modeling activities and projects, that are designed to reflect authentic engineering experience, into engineering classes has the potential to enhance and tap the diverse strengths of students who come from a variety of backgrounds.




Modeling Students' Mathematical Modeling Competencies


Book Description

Modeling Students’ Mathematical Modeling Competencies offers welcome clarity and focus to the international research and professional community in mathematics, science, and engineering education, as well as those involved in the sciences of teaching and learning these subjects.







Models and Modeling


Book Description

The process of developing models, known as modeling, allows scientists to visualize difficult concepts, explain complex phenomena and clarify intricate theories. In recent years, science educators have greatly increased their use of modeling in teaching, especially real-time dynamic modeling, which is central to a scientific investigation. Modeling in science teaching is being used in an array of fields, everything from primary sciences to tertiary chemistry to college physics, and it is sure to play an increasing role in the future of education. Models and Modeling: Cognitive Tools for Scientific Enquiry is a comprehensive introduction to the use of models and modeling in science education. It identifies and describes many different modeling tools and presents recent applications of modeling as a cognitive tool for scientific enquiry.




Teaching of Mathematical Modelling and Applications


Book Description

Presents a resume of the papers presented at the 4th International Conference on the Teaching of Mathematical Modelling and Applications. It presents a distillation of the experience, views and ideas of leading researchers, lecturers and teachers in the field.




Ways of Thinking, Ways of Seeing


Book Description

This fascinating book examines some of the characteristics of technological/engineering models that are likely to be unfamiliar to those who are interested primarily in the history and philosophy of science and mathematics, and which differentiate technological models from scientific and mathematical ones. Themes that are highlighted include: • the role of language: the models developed for engineering design have resulted in new ways of talking about technological systems • communities of practice: related to the previous point, particular engineering communities have particular ways of sharing and developing knowledge • graphical (re)presentation: engineers have developed many ways of reducing quite complex mathematical models to more simple representations • reification: highly abstract mathematical models are turned into ‘objects’ that can be manipulated almost like components of a physical system • machines: not only the currently ubiquitous digital computer, but also older analogue devices – slide rules, physical models, wind tunnels and other small-scale simulators, as well as mechanical, electrical and electronic analogue computers • mathematics and modelling as a bridging tool between disciplines This book studies primarily modelling in technological practice. It is worth noting that models of the type considered in the book are not always highly valued in formal engineering education at university level, which often takes an “applied science” approach close to that of the natural sciences (something that can result in disaffection on the part of students). Yet in an informal context, such as laboratories, industrial placements, and so on, a very different situation obtains. A number of chapters considers such epistemological aspects, as well as the status of different types of models within the engineering education community. The book will be of interest to practising engineers and technologists; sociologists of science and technology; and historians and philosophers of science and mathematics. It will also be written in a way that will be accessible to non-specialists.




Mathematical Modeling in Science and Engineering


Book Description

A powerful, unified approach to mathematical and computational modeling in science and engineering Mathematical and computational modeling makes it possible to predict the behavior of a broad range of systems across a broad range of disciplines. This text guides students and professionals through the axiomatic approach, a powerful method that will enable them to easily master the principle types of mathematical and computational models used in engineering and science. Readers will discover that this axiomatic approach not only enables them to systematically construct effective models, it also enables them to apply these models to any macroscopic physical system. Mathematical Modeling in Science and Engineering focuses on models in which the processes to be modeled are expressed as systems of partial differential equations. It begins with an introductory discussion of the axiomatic formulation of basic models, setting the foundation for further topics such as: Mechanics of classical and non-classical continuous systems Solute transport by a free fluid Flow of a fluid in a porous medium Multiphase systems Enhanced oil recovery Fluid mechanics Throughout the text, diagrams are provided to help readers visualize and better understand complex mathematical concepts. A set of exercises at the end of each chapter enables readers to put their new modeling skills into practice. There is also a bibliography in each chapter to facilitate further investigation of individual topics. Mathematical Modeling in Science and Engineering is ideal for both students and professionals across the many disciplines of science and engineering that depend on mathematical and computational modeling to predict and understand complex systems.




A Framework for K-12 Science Education


Book Description

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.




Trends in Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling


Book Description

This book contains suggestions for and reflections on the teaching, learning and assessing of mathematical modelling and applications in a rapidly changing world, including teaching and learning environments. It addresses all levels of education from universities and technical colleges to secondary and primary schools. Sponsored by the International Community of Teachers of Mathematical Modelling and Applications (ICTMA), it reflects recent ideas and methods contributed by specialists from 30 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Inspired by contributions to the Fourteenth Conference on the Teaching of Mathematical Modelling and Applications (ICTMA14) in Hamburg, 2009, the book describes the latest trends in the teaching and learning of mathematical modelling at school and university including teacher education. The broad and versatile range of topics will stress the international state-of-the-art on the following issues: Theoretical reflections on the teaching and learning of modelling Modelling competencies Cognitive perspectives on modelling Modelling examples for all educational levels Practice of modelling in school and at university level Practices in Engineering and Applications




The Profession of Modeling and Simulation


Book Description

The definite guide to the theory, knowledge, technical expertise, and ethical considerations that define the M&S profession From traffic control to disaster management, supply chain analysis to military logistics, healthcare management to new drug discovery, modeling and simulation (M&S) has become an essential tool for solving countless real-world problems. M&S professionals are now indispensable to how things get done across virtually every aspect of modern life. This makes it all the more surprising that, until now, no effort has been made to systematically codify the core theory, knowledge, and technical expertise needed to succeed as an M&S professional. This book brings together contributions from experts at the leading edge of the modeling and simulation profession, worldwide, who share their priceless insights into issues which are fundamental to professional success and career development in this critically important field. Running as a common thread throughout the book is an emphasis on several key aspects of the profession, including the essential body of knowledge underlying the M&S profession; the technical discipline of M&S; the ethical standards that should guide professional conduct; and the economic and commercial challenges today’s M&S professionals face. • Demonstrates applications of M&S tools and techniques in a variety of fields—such as engineering, operations research, and cyber environments—with over 500 types of simulations • Highlights professional and academic aspects of the field, including preferred programming languages, professional academic and certification programs, and key international societies • Shows why M&S professionals must be fully versed in the theory, concepts, and tools needed to address the challenges of cyber environments The Profession of Modeling and Simulation is a valuable resource for M&S practitioners, developers, and researchers working in industry and government. Simulation professionals, including administrators, managers, technologists, faculty members, and scholars within the physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering fields will find it highly useful, as will students planning to pursue a career in the M&S profession. “ ...nearly three dozen experts in Modeling and Simulation (M&S) come together to make a compelling case for the recognition of M&S as a profession... Important reading for anyone seeking to elevate the standing of this vital field.” Alfred (Al) Grasso, President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation Andreas Tolk, PhD, is Technology Integrator for the Modeling, Simulation, Experimentation, and Analytics Division of The MITRE Corporation, an adjunct professor in the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering and the Department for Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization Engineering at Old Dominion University, and an SCS fellow. Tuncer Ören, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Ottawa. He is an SCS fellow and an inductee to SCS Modeling and Simulation Hall of Fame. His research interests include advancing methodologies, ethics, body of knowledge, and terminology of modeling and simulation.