The result was Earth Algebra, a course with an accompanying text that teaches the customary content of college algebra entirely in the context of the problem of global warming. The course and the text place particular emphasis on the practicality of mathematics, focusing on problem solving, interpretation of results, and decision making that uses mathematical modeling.
Students use graphing calculators and practice writing a nd reporting orally on results.
Earth Algebra covers functions, matrices, geometric series, linear programming, and linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations and functions. Innovative Features Faculty chose global warming as the topic of the course because questions related to it lend themselves so well to definition and analysis using the traditional subject matter of college algebra. In addition, global warming is an issue with which studen ts may be supposed to have at least superficial familiarity, and which is of intrinsic interest to many. It also provides occasion for problem solving and decision making that students find meaningful. Students registering for College Algebra did not know that Earth Algebra was being offered until their first class.