Students often find the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional thinking in multivariable calculus challenging. Computer visualization and tactile models can help bridge this gap and deepen students’ spatial understanding of concepts. CalcPlot3D is a free, web-based applet for 3D graphing that is easy for students and instructors to use due to its code-free, menu-driven interface with fillable textboxes, dropdown lists, and checkboxes. In this presentation, I will show demonstrations that instructors can use to illuminate concepts and visualizations that students can easily create themselves. In addition, I will discuss several classroom activities that incorporate 3D-printed models, allowing students to physically explore concepts in small groups. Together, these tools provide engaging ways for instructors to support student learning and help cultivate stronger geometric intuition in multivariable calculus.
Supporting conceptual understanding in multivariable calculus using computer visualization and classroom activities with 3D-printed models
Supporting conceptual understanding in multivariable calculus using computer visualization and classroom activities with 3D-printed models