Prologue:
Patricia Leinbach and Carl Leinbach propose to give two consecutive
sessions on the topic of “Using Forensic Investigations and Computer
Algebra to Motivate the Study of Mathematics.” Each session will remain
within the usual Education session format (20-minute lecture, 10-minute
question/discussion period).
The first session will deal with the layout of a crime scene based on
Patricia’s experience and use actual scene materials to the extent that
they do not compromise individual’s rights to privacy to show where
mathematics is used and also the type of mathematics. The second session
will deal with the student use of CAS to analyse the material and data
gathered at the scene of the coroner’s investigation.
Abstract:
It is an unfortunate occurrence, although not uncommon, that students
fail to appreciate the importance of mathematics during their student
career. Later in life, either through experiences in their jobs or
during the further study of a subject of interest, they regret that they
did not pay more attention during their mathematics classes. Another
deterrent to their learning is the seeming emphasis on techniques and
not the reasoning and logic behind the techniques. The purpose of these
sessions is to provide a motivation for learning mathematics and the use
of CAS to provide a shift in the emphasis that students perceive and
dislike so much about mathematics teaching.
In this portion of our two session presentation, we will carefully
examine an actual crime scene and the opportunities for using
mathematics to gain a forensic (legally accepted) insight into the
evidence that is found on the scene. In addition we will look at the
type of mathematics that is required to gain this insight and discuss
the student level at which this mathematics may be presented. We will
also examine the role of the CAS in the analysis of the data and
evidence collected at the crime scene. The major portion of this session
will be presented by Pat Leinbach and the Coroner’s perspective will be
emphasized. |