Calculus Success Strategy Focuses on Concepts over Calculation

Ed Meyer, chair of BW’s Physics Department, is out to help students improve their chances of success with calculus in high school or college. “I struggled with undergraduate calculus under the traditional mathematics teaching model,” admits Dr. Meyer, who worked for more than a decade as a corporate research scientist. “Calculus should not be a roadblock to success in the STEM disciplines.”

In a two-evening Hands-on Calculus short course coming up on August 12 and 14 at BW, Meyer and several master teaching assistants will throw out the usual derivatives and integrals, in favor of fun, hands-on exercises that will help students grasp the ideas behind calculus.

“Students can get the right derivative and still be frustrated because they have no idea what it means,” continues Meyer. “The new Common Core standards emphasize an understanding of the concepts over the ability to memorize formulas. This course will focus on concepts over calculation.”

“Hands-on Calculus” will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 14 at BW’s Center for Innovation and Growth (340 Front St, Berea). The course is appropriate for motivated and curious middle school students, high school students, and entering college freshmen that have a basic understanding of manipulating equations with algebra. Dr. Meyer is hoping for multi-generational attendance so that all can have some fun with applying calculus to better understand it.  The cost is $39 or $49 for families and includes all materials and snacks. Call 440-826-2312 for information or to register.