# NumPy in the classroom

45 min lecture

**Pre-reqs**: Basic Python knwoledge + interest in NumPy and education

## Description

In this session, I discuss the benefits of using NumPy in engineering courses. Students build solutions using Python, learn to share resources, and creatively add to the course content. NumPy is an open source software that accelerates array-based computing in Python. I can build course materials that incorporate, improve, and share all of these open resources and students are directly involved in the process. I have used NumPy with individual student research, large (>200 students) courses, and small (<20 students) Summer courses. I'll discuss lessons learned and key strategies I use to motivate and engage new Python users.

## Slides - NumPy in the classroom
[@cooperrc/cooper-newcomer-202206/cooper-newcomer-slides](https://github.com/cooperrc/cooper-newcomer-202206/blob/main/cooper-newcomer-slides.ipynb)

## Exercises:

### 1. What was something you did in a course that you _never_ shared?
_examples: a paper, an exam, a homework assignment_

|course| your _secret_ product|
|---| ---|
| Analog Circuits|Laboratory assignments on Multisim|
|Control Theory| PID tuned system project|
|Anatomy and Physiology|Many, many drawings of the human body, bones and muscles|
|Dynamic Systems | Used Python to do all assignments |
|Statistics with Python | Homework

### 2. What was something you did in a course that you were excited/happy to share?
_examples: a paper, a video you made, a homework assignment_
|course| your _shared_ product|
|---| ---|
|Improv Drama Class|Short script my team acted out|
|Intro to Philosophy| Essay on Free Will and Existentialism -> submitted to University Magazine|
|Secret Dance Class during Undergrad| There might be a video out there on YouTube|
|Intelligent Computing | Built a Covid Detection Application on Power Apps|
|Quantum Computing |Tutorials on related stuff |
||Contributions to open source, including NumPy
|Preschool|Macaroni art, proudly displayed at the Museum of Mom and Dad, fridge and wall gallery|
| Nuclear Physics | Final paper on Livermorium shared as an example of writing |

### 3. When you shared something, what is something you learned?

- Preparing tutorials made me realize I didn't know as much as I thought about the subject
- Communicating technical ideas to a broad audience and existential philosophy
* When I showed others my project, I gained better feedback on the proposals and how could I improve it to make it more resilient.
- When what you share requires other people to do something (script in drama class), you can't make all the decisions yourself. It's collaborative. And the improv part- leave enough wiggle room for spontaneity!
- When I started making videos using KiCad I learned more keyboard shortcuts and lots about video software.

## Example course Materials
https://cooperrc.github.io

## Group collaborative exercise

https://github.com/cooperrc/exponent-colab-exercise.git