Modeling in the natural sciences: a teaching strategy in a calculus course.

Abstract

This article described a didactic strategy that has been implemented with the purpose of promoting the use of mathematical models in practical situations in the area of Chemical Biology (C. B.), as a way to contribute to the development of students' skills in the solution of problems in life outside the classroom. The work is developed in a calculus course during one semester, and consists of modeling a problem in the area of C. B. in which calculus is required for its solution. To carry out the work, students have to interview specialists in the area of C. B., mathematics and review bibliography on the topic to be modeled. With the implementation of the work, the students have realized that the knowledge of several disciplines is integrated to provide a solution to a given problem in their area and it has been observed that the levels of understanding of calculus have increased.