Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Conference 2024

Rate or speed? What about velocity? Are vectors just arrows on a page or do they mean something? Students who are learning similar concepts in mathematics and physics (or other sciences) often don’t see the connections between the skills learned in both classes. They also can struggle to apply algebraic concepts in the context of physics problems. This session will outline some of the issues students face and discuss some strategies to improve learning across both subjects.

Media sometimes reports about claims of preferential treatment towards individual(s) or entities. Mathematicians/statisticians are often asked to look at data from situations where individual(s) believe discrimination has occurred. How do we know if discrimination has occurred in that situation? Using information from a well-known study, this hands-on activity will help attendees understand how to simulate a possible distribution of outcomes in such a situation, known as sampling distribution and then how to use this sampling distribution to determine the possibility of discrimination.

Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, the world of AI has evolved rapidly to include many additional tools and practices for educators. In this session, we will address the role of AI tools in STEM teaching, including but not limited to classroom management, differentiation, and lesson planning. Participants will have an opportunity to explore various tools specifically curated for educators, or STEM educators and students. Further, we will discuss the ethical and policy implications of integrating AI tools in the classroom.

Tasks Inspired and Enhanced by Science Education Research are activities that are effective at promoting the conceptual understanding that most instructors would like to accompany problem solving. Altering the format of tasks from the traditional quantitative problems that students expect can be an effective way to engage students in making sense of the material rather than just searching for an answer. Come see examples and build your own!

In this session, participants will learn about different types of virtual reality applications that can be used for classroom activities and training. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to try out different applications in Meta Quest 2 headsets on subjects such as chemistry, anatomy, and soft skills.