Cultivating Intuition for Mathematical Modelling in an Interdisciplinary STEM Lesson: A Case Study in Singapore

Abstract

This study presents the rationale and execution of an interdisciplinary STEM lesson on mathematical modelling for secondary and pre-tertiary students in Singapore. Instead of directly introducing differential equations, which are typically employed in such models, an alternative computational thinking approach is utilized. The lesson employs relatable contexts such as a zombie apocalypse to foster understanding of concepts in infectious diseases. A key objective is the acquiring of the mathematical reasoning behind the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model for infectious disease spread. In addition, this approach is also accessible to students unacquainted with calculus, without compromising the rigor and accuracy of the model. Aligned with Singapore’s strategic focus on educational technology in the education system, the lesson supports students in developing foundational data competencies and computational thinking skills with the use of spreadsheet software. These readily available digital tools facilitate the automation of calculations and modelling of disease spread. Predicted outcomes by the model can be compared with real-world data e.g. COVID-19 infection numbers. This enables students to see how mathematics and biology intersect, fostering a better appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of real-world problems.

Save as a Favourite

Author Information
Lim Kim Yong, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Ng Mei Ting, National University of Singapore, Singapore