1. Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science
Using MERLOT in Teaching
– Math, Physics and
Engineering
Bernd S. W. Schröder
Program of Mathematics
and Statistics
College of Engineering and Science

2. Presenter’s Goal Show how (MERLOT) applets can enhance instruction by
Doing things a blackboard cannot
Bridging the gap between traditional mathematics instruction and engineering and the sciences
Supporting “mindful symbol manipulation”
Will focus on vector fields as an example.
College of Engineering and Science

3. Vector Fields Vector fields Gradient fields, physics
Line integrals, work fundamental theorem
Surface integrals, throughput
College of Engineering and Science

4. Vector Fields on MERLOT
Sketch and particle paths
Interpretation as flow
Behavior of particles in vector field:
College of Engineering and Science

5. Surface Integrals Emphasis on throughput
Visualization with fluids, electricity, magnetism
Gauss’ Law
College of Engineering and Science

6. Surface Integrals
College of Engineering and Science

7. What the Applets Do and Don’t Do.
Improve visualization
Connect “abstract” mathematics to “real” applications
Consequently they support “mindful symbol manipulation”
Don’t:
Remove the need for sometimes epic computations in vector analysis (nothing will, so nothing should)
College of Engineering and Science