James A. Powell
James S. Cangelosi
Ann Marie Harris
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Utah State University
Logan, Utah 84322-3900
email: powell@math.usu.edu
We discuss the use of in-class games to create realistic situations for mathematical modelling. Two games are presented which are appropriate for use in post-calculus settings. The first game reproduces predator-prey oscillations and the second game simulates disease propagation in a mixing population. When used creatively these games encourage students to model realistic data and apply mathematical concepts to understanding the data.
AMS Subject Classifications: 00A06, 00-01, 92-01
Keywords: interdisciplinary mathematics, pedagogy, modelling biological systems.