Using Gapminder World and Excel to analyze world hunger in

College Algebra

Brian HollenbeckEmporia State University

KC Mathematics Technology EXPOOctober 5, 2012

Background

• Adjustments began about two years ago.• Most students take at least one

developmental course before taking College Algebra.

• Instructors range from tenured faculty to graduate students.

• Two options for College Algebra.• Principles of Math is another option.

“Instructor-led” College Algebra

• Students meet in a classroom twice a week for lecture, quizzes, etc.

• Currently use Harshbarger text with a focus on functions (linear, quadratic, power, piecewise, exponential, logarithmic.)

• Little emphasis on polynomials and rational functions.

• Once a week, students work in groups on an assignment that reinforces material learned.

Weekly Labs – one approach

• Inspired by KSU Studio College Algebra• Students meet in a computer lab and work in

pairs on a lab that connects an application to the skills they’ve learned.

• Work is typically done using a spreadsheet.• Students are expected to complete a take-home

assignment covering the basics of Excel. Text includes examples.

• Some, but not all, will finish within 50 minutes. The lab is due two days later.

Food Theme

• ESU General Education courses asked to weave the theme of food into the curriculum

• Focus on issues related to world hunger• Bonus options in addition to labs:

– Blog: http:\\esufood.blogspot.com– Jumbo Food Map– Group presentation

Gapminder World

• Data available for 200 countries for the past 200 years for over a hundred variables.

• 5 dimensions of data for each country can be portrayed:– Color and size of bubble– (x,y) location of bubble– Chart is set in motion to portray time.

• See Hans Rosling’s TED talk for more details.

Examples• Lab #2 – Slope (Poverty vs. Food supply)• Lab #3 – Regression

– Poverty vs. Food supply – Obesity vs. Food Insecurity

• Lab #8 – Inverses (Ag % vs. Income)• Lab #9 – Exponentials

– Population vs. time – Fertility vs. Income

• Lab #12 – Polynomials (Sugar C. vs. time)

Observations

• Students have a lot of questions, and a wide range of ability.

• Given some guidance, Excel does not seem to be a big hurdle for the students.

• Beneficial to have a change of pace. • Not all students liked the labs, but some did:

– “[Friday labs were] fun and interesting because its applicable to real-life situations.”

– “Put problems into real life situations which was helpful. Usually I complain about math, but I am scared to say that I enjoyed it. Part of me wants to continue to study mathematics.”

For more info:

• Contact Brian Hollenbeck at bhollenb@emporia.edu

• Or visit esufood.blogspot.com– Food-themed labs and data available– Link to Gapminder World– Weekly blog post related to food