The Connected Curriculum Project is a coordinated effort to create interactive learning environments for a wide range of mathematics and mathematically-based applications. Our materials combine the flexibility and connectivity of the Web with the power of computer algebra systems. These materials may be used by groups of learners as an integrated part of a course or by individuals as independent projects or supplements to classroom discussions.

History

The Duke component of CCP, directed by Lawrence Moore and David Smith, is the successor to Project CALC: Calculus As a Laboratory Course, supported by the NSF Calculus Reform Initiative (1988-93). A follow-on NSF grant in 1993 supported development of modular lab activities for courses beyond calculus: linear algebra, differential equations, and engineering mathematics. These modules were created as interactive texts in specific computer algebra systems: Mathcad, Mathematica, and Maple.

In 1995 the Duke team joined forces with a group led by Mike Colvin and Don Hartig at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and with Frank Wattenberg, then at Weber State University, to form what is now CCP, with the goal of developing a Web-based library of reviewed, edited, and tested interactive materials. This library effort received substantial support from NSF in 1998. In addition, NSF has funded the related PostCALC Project to develop interactive mathematical modules for high school students who have finished a course in calculus.

The scope of available CCP materials and the family of CCP authors both continue to grow as additional units are submitted. Check the news page for regular updates on new materials. In addition to materials found at this site, some of the CCP materials are housed at Montana State University.

Types of materials

Most of the CCP learning materials are modules: single-topic units that can be used for a two-hour lab, or for a shorter supervised period with follow-up on the student's own time, or for self-study. Most of our modules are class-tested with students working in two-person teams in a lab environment. Some modules use an application area to stimulate learning of mathematics, and others go straight to the mathematics.

In addition there are two longer projects created by faculty at Rockhurst College.

All of these materials use at least some of these powerful tools: hypertext links, Java applets, sophisticated graphics, a computer algebra system, realistic scenarios, thought-provoking questions that require written answers, summary questions that enable students to see the forest as well as the trees.

Mathematical topics

Most of the CCP materials facilitate learning of mathematics typically taught in the first two years of college, specifically in courses with titles such as these:

Precalculus	Linear Algebra
Differential Calculus	Differential Equations
Integral Calculus	Engineering Mathematics
Multivariable Calculus

Grant support

• Interactive Modules for Courses Following Calculus, Duke University, NSF DUE-9352889, 1993-97
• Interactive Connected Curriculum Project, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, NSF DUE-9555407, 1996-98
• The Coordinated Curriculum Library, Duke University, NSF DUE-9752421, 1998-2001
• Web-Based Interactive Enrichment Modules for Mathematics, Duke University, NSF ESI-9730714, 1998-2001

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