This site contains a tutorial program, based on interactive JAVA applets, for learning the rudiments of Catastrophe Theory.
Type of Material:
Text, interactive JAVA applets, exercises ``for further study.''
Recommended Uses:
Student exploration of catastrophe theory guided by an instructor.
Technical Requirements:
Java-enabled browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To bring non-mathematicians to an understanding of catastrophe theory and its possible applications.
Target Student Population:
High school or college students with some experience in experimental science. The site is mathematically sophisticated but does not demand mathematical sophistication from its users.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
No special skills, except some experience with scientific experiments.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The ``black box'' applet that starts the tutorial is an inspired invention of the author's. The "catastrophe machine" and "gravitational machine" applets are nicely designed, very instructive and fun to use.
Concerns:
There is too much missing for the site to be certified as a 5-star ``Catastrophe Teacher.'' While the discussion of the cusp catastrophe is very thorough, the butterfly essentially has just the applet (very litle explanation), and the other 5 elementary catastrophes are only mentioned by name. The individual pieces of the site are certainly of 5-star quality.
Some references beyond Thom and Zeeman might help students interested in exploring the underlying mathematics.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is organized for self-motivated exploration. It makes the user think about what is going on and what questions need to be asked.
Concerns:
The consequence of this organization is that students who have not developed curiosity about natural systems will not get engaged in the learning process. The style is friendly but quite rigorous.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applets are well explained and designed for a natural feel.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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