In Math Modeling, we cover topics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, mods, and computations in different bases. Besides learning about interesting math topics, Mass. Academy's math class focuses heavily on math modeling as well. From objectively rating roller coasters around the world to using math to efficiently organizing an entire triathlon schedule, the scenarios that we model with math are unique but very applicable to the real world.
In one of my favorite math modeling presentations, my group and I were tasked to distribute 7 new teachers across a school's classes because of an upcoming increased class size. Our group considered the expected class populations, current ratios of students to teachers across classes, and what new ratios would be desirable in order to find the proper distributions of faculty. Take a look at our presentation below!
In this class, we also participate in a longer term project related to modeling called the Modeling the Future Challenge or MTFC. In MTFC, groups choose an area of their interest to create and present their mathematical models of how a new technology or industry might change the future. Most notably, this is related towards risk mitigation for any professional field imaginable.
For example, my group, "How 'Bout Them Apples", plans to decrease emergency response times to scenarios such as house fires, medical emergencies, and the like. This topic was selected not only because we wanted to differentiate ourselves from other groups, but also because this is a prevalent topic that has real, quantifiable, and important impacts. Currently, we are working on collecting data to analyze and construct a model off of relating to emergency response times and are brainstorming possible methods on how to decrease these times, with one potential solution being better navigation and pathing to the emergency location.