Math & Nuclear Theory

The Math & Nuclear Theory project was designed, developed, and evaluated as a problem-based undergraduate nuclear course to strengthen math skills in support of the US nuclear workforce. It was funded by a two-year grant managed by the University of Missouri Research Reactor. The team was composed of experts in nuclear engineering, nuclear management, mathematics, and education. Its purpose was to provide an online supplemental tool to facilitate greater problem solving and understanding of mathematics in a nuclear context in the hopes that those who would be entering the nuclear field would be more prepared.

Design methodology

The premise for much of the design here is the ability to have situated, problem-based learning (as much as possible) within the two very linear domains of mathematics and nuclear engineering. There is a more linear section to the site, where situated, nuclear math problems are given according to their stated mathematical taxonomy. The second half of the site are "case studies." These case studies do not state to the user which mathematical skills are required, and often require multiple skills at once. The case studies are ordered from eaiser to more difficult, and it is left up to the instructor when they want to use the case studies.

Evaluation

Classroom teachers and students were asked to use this and provide feedback. This was also presented at a conference at which time observations were taken of people attempting to use it and surveys were received. In addition, a usability study was done on the learning site and presented. (See the link below for proceedings on the usability study.)