Bates & Colgan Modeling Real World
0Day 1 | 1:30 PM–2:00 PM
"Modeling Real World Systems with Differential Equations through Project Based Learning"
Presented by:
Alexander Bates and Daniel J. Colgan, United States Military Academy, West Point NY USA
https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/simiode/expo/2025
Abstract: The United States Military Academy (USMA) uses an innovative approach that integrates the development of fundamental differential equations concepts with a mathematical modeling process through project-based learning. To ensure student success in the course, the Advanced Mathematics Program targets new students with an advanced mathematics background through an aggressive placement battery. The Advanced Mathematics Program then exposes this high achieving group of freshmen to the USMA mathematical modeling process before covering fundamental concepts in differential equations. As students build confidence in new concepts and techniques, concurrent assignments such as technical labs and modeling application days develop complementary skills. The developing collection of skills coalesces during a final project that allows the students to model a real-world problem with a system of differential equations. The final project also affords students the opportunity to participate in the SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM) in conjunction with the course assessments to further deepen their appreciation for modeling with differential equations. This innovative approach uniquely equips USMA students with the skills to identify and model various aspects of a changing world and create understanding through mathematics.