Project led by Dimmel, Pandiscio selected for MIRTA accelerator program

Dimmel Pandiscio SunRule — Justin Dimmel (left) and Eric Pandiscio, shown here in 2019, work on an early proof of concept for the SunRule project, which was recently selected for UMaine's MIRTA commercialization accelerator program. Photo by Casey Kelly/COEHD

March 10, 2021 Elementary Education, Instructional Technology, News, Research and Outreach, School of Learning and Teaching, Secondary Education, STEM Education

A team from the College of Education and Human Development is developing a mathematical manipulative that uses sunlight to model multiplication as a continuous growth operation. The project is part of the latest cohort selected to participate in the University of Maine’s Maine Innovation Research and Technology Accelerator program (MIRTA).

Faculty lead Justin Dimmel, an assistant professor of mathematics education and instructional technology, is collaborating with Eric Pandiscio, an associate professor of mathematics education, senior biology student Emma Reedman (pre-med with minors in psychology and interdisciplinary studies), and external partner Mitch Stone to refine a handheld version of the device for use in K–12 math classes, and a larger version to be installed in public gathering spaces such as parks and playgrounds. Stone is the director of parks and recreation and the deputy director of community development for Orono. As a physical representation for the multiplication of fractions, the SunRule allows K–12 students to use sunlight to explore fundamental mathematical concepts.

More information about MIRTA and other projects selected for this year’s cohort is available on the UMaine News and Office of Innovation and Economic Development websites.