Program Overview

Program Overview

The CIMS: Industrial Mathematics Projects for High School Students program is designed to provide students with real-world applications of mathematical concepts. The program focuses on network analysis, specifically in the context of Amtrak's rail services.

Program Description

The program presents a problem where Amtrak executives need to decide which rail lines, stations, and/or trains to eliminate in order to minimize losses. Students will work as consultants to analyze the rail services and make recommendations on where Amtrak should concentrate its resources.

Background Information

• The program provides background information on Amtrak, including its history, operations, and services.
• Amtrak began service on May 1, 1971, and has since grown to serve over 500 stations in 46 states.
• The company operates over 22,000 route miles, with 730 route miles owned by Amtrak.
• Amtrak serves over 24 million passengers per year, with approximately 66,000 passengers traveling daily.

Materials Included

• The program includes articles describing the background and source of the problem.
• Suggestions on data gathering techniques and organization are provided.
• Student information and teacher guidelines are also included.
• An example of a possible network analysis is given to guide students.

Areas of Application

• Geometry: Modeling with Graphs
• Algebra II: Linear Programming, Matrix operations (addition, multiplication, powers, row and column sums)
• Discrete Math: Graph Theory (vertex-edge graphs, weighted graphs, shortest paths, spanning trees), Computer Applications

Program Category

The program is categorized as a High School program, indicating that it is designed for students at the high school level.

Copyright Information

The program is copyrighted by the Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.