03/10/2026
We are pleased to announce the publication, by the American Mathematical Society, of Teaching Differential Equations with Modeling-First Scenarios. Written by Brian Winkel, the founder of SIMIODE (Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations), this book provides a collection of resources that facilitate a modeling-first approach to teaching differential equations. Each of the forty-three chapters presents a unique, realistic, and classroom-tested modeling scenario, covering diverse topics such as chemical kinetics, stochastic processes, circuit tuning, and stadium design.
The modules are standalone, meaning they can easily be introduced into an instructor’s differential equations course. Through these activities, students discover how differential equations arise naturally and appreciate their importance.
The book is written as a conversation between two colleagues, discussing the underlying modeling scenarios. They share their methods, pedagogical approaches, and experiences, answering questions which arise about how to teach modeling.
These dialogs also provide scaffolding, advice, and reflections for faculty considering introducing active-learning opportunities into their classes. Teaching Differential Equations with Modeling-First Scenarios offers a friendly introduction to modeling activities in the undergraduate classroom, with only prior exposure to derivatives being required. For the instructor, a desire to engender an attitude of experimentation, investigation, and excitement in their students is the most important prerequisite.
See complete details and order information at https://bookstore.ams.org/view?ProductCode=CLRM/78 .
