Using Maple in Teaching ODE-Modeled Physics to Undergraduates
0Presented by:
S.A.C. Gould, Scripps College, Claremont CA USA
https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/simiode/expo/2024
Abstract: Our department uses computer algebra systems, either Maple or Mathematica, in the undergraduate introductory and upper-division physics courses. I will concentrate on how I use Maple.
Key properties of Maple for teaching physics and mathematics:
Compared to Python or MATLAB, it has a lower learning barrier because:
much of its “coding” is via clickable icons,
Maple’s input and output are readable to the non-user.
Maple derives symbolic results, which are more informative than numerical results. * Maple performs the busy work of both derivations and calculations.
Maple allows for a top-down problem-solving approach, the problem-solving process of physicists.
Maple can solve real-world problems well beyond traditional spherical-cow-type problems.
With these advantages over by-hand methods, we have included sets of linked first-order ODEs in the first-semester physics courses and, in an applied math course, cover ordinary differential equations for upper-division physics and engineering courses in four weeks.
Students are immersed in Maple:
Skillsets are learned through ten-minute videos.
Presentation of content is in Maple.
All student submissions are Maple
worksheets/documents.
Surveys show that nearly all the students feel Maple increases their interest in physics. They say they concentrate more on understanding physics principles and less on mathematical busy-work. This produces a more inclusive learning environment.