The Math Inquiry Workshop as a Preparation for the HiMCM

Introduction

Luther College received a generous grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to support a comprehensive science education initiative to prepare pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers as leaders in science education. Combining the strengths of Luther 's STEM and education departments, the initiative strives to enhance the effectiveness of science and mathematics teachers through inquiry-based, hands-on learning in laboratory and classroom settings along with the necessary resources and mentoring to ensure effective implementation.

Mathematical modeling is an effective avenue for active learning. I have experienced it personally in my research activities in environmental modeling applications and observed its efficacy for students in the ordinary and partial differential equations courses I offer as a faculty member in Mathematics at Luther College. I am convinced that mathematical modeling concepts and activities have natural place in learning, and can be suitably adapted for younger, inquisitive minds. Consequently, one of the components of the HHMI grant was the creation of the "Math Inquiry Workshop" (MIW) for high school teachers and students.