Applied Mathematics

Project Based Learning vs. Traditional

Logan Hart and Will Karantonis

Staff Writers

    The 2017-2018 school year is the pilot year of the real life, hands-on math class called Applied Mathematics being taught by Mr. John Reeves. The Triton Voice decided to speak with Reeves and several of the students in the class about the benefits of the class and what it does for them.

For this year, the students are building windmills and trying to modify and improve their function afterwards. Students are also using CAD for 3D modeling, CAD is a computer program where you can create models and shapes to 3D print.

    The main path to get there is to go through Integrated 1 and 2. You can also just

elect to take the class as a junior or senior having taken and passed algebra classes.

    The students enjoyed the class over all; in particular, Senior Jared Durkin and Junior Jonathan Woodbury.

    Durkin has had fun in the class this year, he has really liked learning under Reeves. “He’s a good teacher.” Said Durkin. He was also asked what he thought of the class and what it would help him learn. Durkin said, “How to deal with real life math, and not have to deal with bookwork and all that stupid stuff; It’s a new way of learning.” The class is heavily based on that hands on type of learning with the engineering aspect and a little calculus mixed in. “If I had a career interest in engineering then this would definitely beneficial.” Durkin said on how the class would help him.

    Junior Jonathan Woodbury has also enjoyed this class and the hands on work that it consists of. “I’ve learned how to do Things that apply to real life, how to use electrical equipment, and stuff that applies to that.” Said Woodbury.  He thinks Reeves is a great teacher and was very happy to learn things from him, but he took time to really develop a good relationship and understand Reeves completely. Woodbury says, “He can be way too nice for his own good, interesting having engineer as a math teacher. Because of him, I’ve learned the most useful things in this class that apply to real world scenarios.”