Texas Southern University
3100 Cleaburne Ave
Houston, Texas 77004
phone:1-713-313-1850
Fax: 1-713-313-1833
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
3100 CLEBURNE AVENUE - HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004
THE CALCULUS NOW PROGRAM
At Texas Southern University’s Physics Department
CNP@TSU-PHYSICS
WHAT IS CNP@TSU-PHYSICS?
The Calculus Now Program is a Saturday and Summer Workshop for learning calculus intended for ninth graders with demonstrated competency in algebra. It was created by the Physics department at Texas Southern University (TSU) with support from the U.S. Navy and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Selected students will conduct basic physics experiments in order to develop an intuitive understanding of Calculus (differentiation and integration) as applied to polynomial functions. Students will also learn about differential equations and how to understand their basic properties. These will be developed in the context of projectile motion equations describing objects moving under Earth’s gravitational pull.
WHY IS CNP@TSU-PHYSICS IMPORTANT?
Any student wishing to become an engineer, chemist, applied mathematician, or physicist must master the discipline of calculus. In order to be able to do physics, students must know calculus. Many first year college students do not know calculus. This retards their undergraduate experience in the sciences or engineering by at least one year, diminishing the chances that they will successfully graduate in these disciplines.
MOTIVATION FOR CNP@TSU-PHYSICS
Calculus requires understanding only one basic concept:: the derivative. Once this is understood, most of its basic structure, as used by physicists and engineers is straightforward. The American high school curriculum delays exposure until the 12th grade. By this time, most students lose interest in math and science. CNP@TSU-PHYSICS is designed to convince students that Calculus is easy to learn, and they should take a full course in high school when they reach their senior year.
WHEN WILL CNP@TSU-PHYSICS BE OFFERED?
The Program will start May 2, 2009 and run for eight weeks. It will be held every Saturday from 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. In the future, it will start on January 15. Students will be accepted based on recommendations from their Algebra teacher and School Principal. We seek well motivated students able to listen, think, and follow instructions. Any students with these skills and potential will be welcomed. Inorder to be considered for this program, please fill out the online registration form.
For any other questions, please contact Dr. Carlos R. Handy at 713-313-1850 or handycr@tsu.edu. Students that successfully complete this program will be recommended for other science enrichment programs that provide scholarship support through a grant from the Office of Naval Research.