Linking Visualizations Online to Discover and Unify Mathematics

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

This project is developing and evaluating prototypes of interactive, dynamic, and visually oriented webpages linked by common themes. Current technologies facilitate animation and exploration of interconnected networks of information, and in this manner new concepts are made more accessible when associated with more elementary and familiar ones. Unifying mathematical principles can lead students to formulate their own mathematical questions, discover results, and organize and understand their knowledge. The presentations include motivation from modern applications as well as animations of classical examples. Modules are expected to become part of the National Science Digital Library and available as an online resource for both teachers and students, to review fundamentals, to preview more advanced manifestations and applications, and to emphasize discovery using animated and linked explanations and "proofs without (and with!) words."