In Math Modeling, instead of being taught to do math a certain way,
groups are given open-ended problems and tasked to find a way to solve
the problem. We’re also asked to come up with reasoning for why this
works. Just heed me on this warning - never overestimate your math
skills... there's always something to learn in this class.
Since students need to conduct statistical analyses on their STEM
project data, we cover stats tests in Math Modeling. However, students that took AP Stats before coming to MAMS
got to learn about ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) tests as well. My group was tasked with learn how these
tests work, what they measure, what the results tell you, etc. We then had to create a presentation
to share with the class. I thought that this project was very helpful, especially considering I could use it
to analyze data for my own STEM project. See the presentation at the left to learn a little about this test,
what it does, and how to conduct it!
Trouble viewing this doc? Click here.
Modeling: Modeling the Future
Another topic we learn in math is Mathematical Modeling (as suggested by the name).
Basically, a mathematical model uses data previously collected data to try and predict future events that may happen
based on this past data. At MAMS, we participate in a challenge called Modeling the Future.
In this challenge, group are tasked to come up with a current issue in the world that involves some sort of risk.
From there, groups have to develop a model that can be used to try and mitigate this risk in the future.
My group chose to focus in on soil erosion, or when topsoil dries out and gets carried away by wind, water, etc.
This strips regions of its topsoil and causes food shortages, natural disasters, starvation, etc. To read more, check out my
group's project proposal to the right!