In part of CEEMS Community Mathematics Project, CEEMS Director Dr. Lynn Hodge and Dr. Jeneva Clark, of the UTK Mathematics Department, have teamed up for the “My Calculus” Project.
This project aims to teach undergraduate Calculus through social justice themed activities. The project seeks to highlight math as a tool for students to use when examining and understanding current issues such as homelessness.
Most recently, as part of a discussion about equity, math, and the chain rule, students created “Calculus Chain Necklaces” to give to local elementary students. Each necklace has some calculus and messages of inspiration for students. In order to get the necklaces to the elementary students, some Calculus students and faculty help to deliver the necklaces with CEEMS to schools in Knox and Campbell counties. Future activities aim to investigate issues such as the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires and climate change.