Learning through creation: 3D Printing in the calculus classroom

Just finished printing out the first set of prints created by multivariable calculus students. The students worked in groups of three, modeling these prints in Mathematica. The mathematical topic is quadric surfaces, but they had quite a lot of leeway as to how to define both the plot limits and how to define a solid based on the surfaces. With the happy and somewhat unexpected result that the shapes are not redundant, and they do not look like the quadric surfaces in the book or those that I created for class demonstrations. The objects are now residing in the display case. Below is the blurb about them that is hanging next to them in the case. 

Learning through creation: 3D Printing in the calculus classroom

The 3D printed objects are modeled by students in multivariable calculus labs with instructor Dr. Evelyn Sander in Spring 2015. This is a rotating display that will be updated with new student prints throughout the semester. 

This is part of a pilot project to incorporate 3D printing into the Calculus 1 and 3 classrooms in Spring 2015. In addition to  developing 3D classroom demonstration pieces, one lecture session per week runs as a lab session. Students learn the material through creation of 3D models, which are then printed by LA Eric Cawi. The labs allow students the freedom to incorporate creativity and artistic abilities into the

mathematics.  For more information, see  http://gmumathmaker.blogspot.com .  

On May 4th 9-10am and 2:30-3:30pm, the students will present their 3D prints at a public display in the Exploratory Hall Annex. Feel free to join us on May 4th.