Mathematical Modeling and Applications
Applies mathematical methods to model real‑world phenomena.
Description : Students learn to develop and analyze models that simulate natural and engineered systems. Emphasis is placed on translating practical problems into mathematical language and interpreting the results.
Category : Math
Age : 12+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Introduction to Mathematical Modeling Section 1: Understanding Mathematical Models - Lesson 1: What is a Mathematical Model? - Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to the concept of mathematical models and their role in problem solving. - Lesson 2: Importance of Modeling in Real Life - Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Exploring examples of models used in everyday situations and natural phenomena. Section 2: Identifying Variables and Parameters - Lesson 1: Distinguishing Variables from Constants - Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learning definitions and examples of variables versus constants in simple models. - Lesson 2: How to Choose Relevant Parameters - Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Discussing how to determine critical parameters while modeling a real-world scenario. Section 3: Translating Real-World Problems into Mathematics - Lesson 1: Breaking Down a Problem into Mathematical Terms - Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Step-by-step methods to understand a practical problem and represent it mathematically. - Lesson 2: Simplifying Complex Situations - Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Techniques for simplifying and approximating real-world scenarios into manageable models. Section 4: Basic Graphical Representation of Models - Lesson 1: Introduction to Graphing Data - Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learning basic graph types and their relevance in showing model behavior. - Lesson 2: Plotting Simple Equations - Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Practice with plotting linear and basic nonlinear equations relevant to initial models. Section 5: Overview of Mathematical Tools - Lesson 1: Essential Mathematics Tools - Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Overview of the fundamental mathematical tools used in modeling such as algebra and geometry. - Lesson 2: Using Technology in Modeling - Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Introduction to basic technology tools that assist in building and testing mathematical models. Module 2: Building Blocks of Models Section 1: Formulating Equations from Descriptions - Lesson 1: From Words to Equations - Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Illustrating how everyday language can be translated into mathematical expressions. - Lesson 2: Examples of Word Problems - Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Working through simple word problems to practice equation formulation. Section 2: Linear Models and Their Applications - Lesson 1: Understanding Linear Relationships - Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduction to linear equations and how they model proportional relationships. - Lesson 2: Practical Examples of Linear Models - Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Applications of linear models in contexts such as speed, cost, and distance problems. Section 3: Nonlinear Models in Real Life - Lesson 1: Recognizing Nonlinear Patterns - Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Identifying when a relationship is nonlinear and the basics of quadratic and exponential functions. - Lesson 2: Simple Nonlinear Modeling Examples - Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Solving real-life problems that benefit from a nonlinear model approach. Section 4: Role of Assumptions in Modeling - Lesson 1: Making Reasonable Assumptions - Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learning why assumptions are necessary and discussing examples of common assumptions. - Lesson 2: Evaluating the Impact of Assumptions - Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Analyzing how different assumptions can change the outcome of a model. Section 5: Developing a Modeling Strategy - Lesson 1: Step-by-Step Modeling Process - Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Introducing a structured approach to developing mathematical models. - Lesson 2: Case Study: Simple Modeling Project - Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Applying the strategy to a guided example project. Module 3: Analysis and Interpretation of Models Section 1: Testing and Validating Models - Lesson 1: Methods of Validation - Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Exploring how to test a model’s predictions against real data. - Lesson 2: Identifying Errors and Limitations - Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Understanding common sources of error in a model and strategies for improvement. Section 2: Interpreting Graphical Data - Lesson 1: Reading and Understanding Graphs - Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Basic techniques for interpreting graphs that represent mathematical models. - Lesson 2: Drawing Conclusions from Data - Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Explaining how to derive meaningful conclusions based on graphical evidence. Section 3: Sensitivity Analysis - Lesson 1: What is Sensitivity Analysis? - Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Introduction to analyzing how model outcomes change with variations in input. - Lesson 2: Practical Examples of Sensitivity Tests - Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Simple exercises to show the effect of changing one variable at a time. Section 4: Dimensional Reasoning in Models - Lesson 1: Using Units to Validate Models - Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: The importance of unit consistency and dimensional analysis in modeling. - Lesson 2: Applying Dimensional Reasoning - Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Exercises in checking the validity of equations using dimensional analysis. Section 5: Communicating Model Results - Lesson 1: Presenting Mathematical Findings - Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Techniques for effectively communicating model outcomes to various audiences. - Lesson 2: Writing a Simple Modeling Report - Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Guidance on writing clear and concise reports based on model analysis. Module 4: Simulation Techniques and Computational Tools Section 1: Introduction to Simulations - Lesson 1: What is a Simulation? - Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Basic concepts and purpose of using simulations in model testing and predictions. - Lesson 2: Real-World Simulation Examples - Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Overview of various simulation examples in science and engineering. Section 2: Setting Up Simple Simulations - Lesson 1: Defining Inputs for Simulations - Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: How to choose and input parameters in a simulation setting. - Lesson 2: Running and Observing Simulations - Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Step-by-step process to run a simulation and observe its outcomes. Section 3: Introduction to Computational Tools - Lesson 1: Overview of Basic Software Options - Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Introducing simple computational tools and software that aid in modeling. - Lesson 2: Hands-on with a Basic Simulation Tool - Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Guided exercise in setting up and running a simulation using accessible tools. Section 4: Analyzing Simulation Results - Lesson 1: Interpreting Simulation Data - Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learning how to read and interpret the output of a simulation. - Lesson 2: Comparing Simulation Outcomes with Theory - Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Exercises to compare simulated results with expected theoretical outcomes. Section 5: Improving Simulation Models - Lesson 1: Identifying Model Weaknesses in Simulations - Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Recognizing common pitfalls and limitations in simulation models. - Lesson 2: Refining and Adjusting Simulations - Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Techniques for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of simulation results. Module 5: Applications of Mathematical Modeling Section 1: Modeling in Engineering - Lesson 1: Applications in Structural Engineering - Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Exploring how mathematical models are used to design and analyze structures. - Lesson 2: Modeling in Mechanical Systems - Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Case studies showing the role of modeling in mechanical engineering projects. Section 2: Environmental and Natural Systems Modeling - Lesson 1: Modeling Population Dynamics - Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduction to models used in ecology and population studies. - Lesson 2: Simulating Ecosystem Behavior - Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Understanding the basics of ecosystem modeling and environmental simulations. Section 3: Economic and Financial Modeling - Lesson 1: Basic Concepts in Economic Models - Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Exploration of simple economic theories and their mathematical representations. - Lesson 2: Modeling Market Trends - Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practical exercises in using models to predict trends and behaviors in economic systems. Section 4: Health and Medicine Applications - Lesson 1: Modeling Disease Spread - Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: An introduction to how mathematical models help understand epidemiological patterns. - Lesson 2: Analyzing Treatment Outcomes - Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Examining basic models used in medicine to simulate treatment responses and outcomes. Section 5: Integrating Multiple Disciplines - Lesson 1: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Modeling - Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Discussing how models can combine insights from engineering, science, and economics. - Lesson 2: Capstone Project Overview - Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: An introduction to a final project that integrates lessons learned from the course to solve a real-world problem.