Bringing Labs into Differential Equations
The goal of these assessments was to engage students in hands on experiments similiar to a science lab. Students always ask why differential equations is so important in STEM fields. So, two labs were done in my differential equations class. One was using thermometers and checking their accuracy (how long does it take for the thermometer to get back to body temperature after drinking cold water, doing jumping jacks, and chewing gum (placebo)). The 2nd one was to verify that a mass spring system follows a 2nd order differential equation.