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MCC Daily Tribune

Paul Seeburger, CalcPlot3D Graphing Program featured in NSF's 2020 STEM for All Video Showcase

Professor of Mathematics Paul Seeburger and the CalcPlot3D 3D-graphing program he developed are featured in the 2020 STEM for All Video Showcase funded by the National Science Foundation. The event will be held online today through May 12.

The presentation, entitled "Improving Conceptual Understanding of Multivariable Calculus Through Visualization Using CalcPlot3D" seeks to improve student understanding of multivariable calculus and other mathematics courses through 2D and 3D visualization of course concepts. Professor Seeburger led the project in collaboration with Monica VanDieren (Robert Morris University) and Deborah Moore-Russo (University of Oklahoma). The project was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

CalcPlot3D is an innovative online tool helps students visualize geometric relationships and interactions of multivariable calculus concepts. Many of these concepts are difficult to describe in a static textbook image or with a marker on the whiteboard, but with the interactive and animated features of CalcPlot3D, students can see the multivariable calculus concepts come to life and change over time.

According to Professor Seeburger, "We made the decision to enter the video showcase so more people, both instructors and students, could learn about CalcPlot3D. CalcPlot3D is a free tool that helps with visualizing mathematical objects and relationships in three dimensions. Not only does CalcPlot3D work across different digital devices, it is available in both English and Spanish, and it uses intuitive drop-down menu functionality. All this, and it is free."

More about the 2020 STEM for All Video Showcase
Now in its sixth year, the annual showcase will feature over 170 innovative projects aimed at improving STEM learning and teaching, which have been funded by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies. During the week-long event, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and members of the public are invited to view the short videos, discuss them with the presenters online, and vote for their favorites.

The theme for this year's event is "Learning from Research and Practice." Video presentations address improving K-12 STEM classroom, informal environments, undergraduate and graduate education, teacher professional development, and community engagement. Collectively the presentations cover a broad range of topics including science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, cyberlearning, citizen science, maker spaces, broadening participation, research experiences, mentoring, professional development, NGSS and the Common Core.

Last year's STEM for All Video Showcase is still being accessed, and to date has had over 76,000 unique visitors from 181 countries.

Rosanna Yule
Government and Community Relations
05/05/2020