When Isaac Newton developed calculus in the 1600s, he was trying to tie
together math and physics in an intuitive, geometrical way. But over
time math and physics teaching became heavily weighted toward algebra,
and less toward geometrical problem solving. However, many practicing
mathematicians and physicists will get their intuition geometrically
first and do the algebra later.
Make: Calculus imagines how Newton might have used 3D printed models,
construction toys, programming, craft materials, and an Arduino or two
to teach calculus concepts in an intuitive way. The book uses as little
reliance on algebra as possible while still retaining enough to allow
comparison with a traditional curriculum.
This book is not a traditional Calculus I textbook. Rather, it will take
the reader on a tour of key concepts in calculus that lend themselves to
hands-on projects. This book also defines terms and common symbols for
them so that self-learners can learn more on their own