Computer Animation to teach interpolation

Abstract

While mathematics courses are a basic topic in engineering studies, they are often considered as a difficult subject by students. In this work we present a learning experience based on computer animation and using the perspective of mathematical modelling. Our goal is to provide the students with a context that motivates the study of function interpolation. We present a problem statement that is intended to be solved by means of the Modeling Cycle. The development of the activity and the strategies identified during the process are presented and discussed.

Keywords

• Modeling cycle
• Interpolation
• Computer animation
• Computer graphics
• Engineering education