Panels and Other Sessions
Public Interview with The Apples in Stereo's Robert Schneider
Thursday, August 2, 6:00-6:45
Robert Schneider, the singer, songwriter and producer for The Apples in Stereo, cites musical influences from the Beach Boys to the Velvet Underground, which comes through on their latest CD, "New Magnetic Wonder." But Robert's love of music is superseded by his love of mathematics.
MAA President Joe Gallian will conduct this public interview. Come learn how Robert's interest in mathematics was sparked, and how it has led him to develop new music based on a logarithmic musical scale as well as some very interesting results related to the prime number theorem.
Notice of special event: Robert Schneider will perform a few of his songs at the Social at 9:00 Saturday night following the Frame lecture.
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WHAT THEY THINK IS GOOD TEACHING
Frank Morgan, Williams College
Diana Davis, Williams College
Friday, August 3, 9:00 am -10:20 am
A panel of undergraduates talk about what makes for good teaching. The session will be moderated by Frank Morgan and is sponsored by the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics.
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MATHEMATICS OUTREACH FOR UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS
Elizabeth (Betsy) Yanik, Emporia State University
Friday, August 3, 9:00 am - 10:20 am
This forum will focus on specific outreach programs which have been successful in encouraging students from underrepresented groups to continue studying mathematics. The programs provide students with role models from numerous, exciting careers which are mathematically based. Various program formats will be presented (after school clubs, one day conferences, summer camps, etc.). The session is sponsored by the Committee on the Participation of Women.
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QUANTITATIVE LITERACY, MATHEMATICS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: TEACHING THE IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITATIVE LITERACY FOR A HEALTHY DEMOCRACY
Robert G. Root, Lafayette College
Kira Hamman, Hood College
Maura B. Mast, University of Massachusetts Boston
Friday, August 3, 9:00 am -10:20 am
This panel session will consist of presentations on pedagogy associated with courses investigating the interaction between quantitative literacy/mathematics and civic
engagement. Potential topics include: voting rights, voting fraud, gerrymandering, and one person/one vote; the impact of opinion polls on the democratic process; financial exploitation of the quantitatively illiterate; statistical misconceptions and their consequences in politics and policy; mathematics education as a determinant of economic status; and statistics and health policy. Panelists will be encouraged to share
with the interested public curricular materials for units in a general education course linking mathematics to social justice including reading lists, study guides, discussion guidelines, and assignments. The session is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Quantitative Literacy.
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CALCULUS IN HIGH SCHOOL: WHAT IS HAPPENING? WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?
David Bressoud, Macalester College
Dan Teague, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Friday, August 3, 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm
New data is in on dual enrollment programs in calculus, on relative numbers of students taking calculus in high school versus college, on the number of students taking calculus before their senior year of high school and what mathematics they take in their remaining time in high school. This panel will present what we know and solicit suggestions for what we need to know and how we can learn it if we are to meet the challenges of the movement of calculus instruction into the high school curriculum. Panelist will include:
David Bressoud, Macalester College; David Lutzer, College of William & Mary; Dan Teague, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; Ann Watkins, California State University Northridge. The session is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Teaching Advanced High School Mathematics.
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SUMMA SESSION
William Hawkins, MAA and he University of the District of Columbia
Robert Megginson, University of Michigan
Friday, August 3, 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm
The MAA has supported small research teams of a faculty member and four minority undergraduates at 33 sites since Summer 2004 with funds from NSF, NSA, and the Moody's Foundation. Site directors will give presentations about their projects and their students' research. There will be ample time for discussion and questions. More information about the MAA National Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (NREUP) can be found at http://www.maa.org/nreup. Sponsored by the CMPM (Committee on Minority Participation) and MAA-SUMMA (Strengthening Underrepresented Minority Mathematics Achievement).
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MAA SECTION OFFICERS MEETING
Friday, August 3, 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
This session will be moderated by Nancy L. Hagelgans, Ursinus College, chair of the MAA Committee on Sections.
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BEYOND E-MAIL: USING WEB-BASED TOOLS FOR COLLABORATIVE WORK
Magnhild Lien, California State University Northridge
Michael Pearson, Director of Programs and Services, MAA
Ivars Peterson, Director of Publications for Journals and Communications, MAA
Friday, August 3, 2:30 pm - 3:50 pm
Ten years ago, simply having a web page with links to some print materials, and perhaps homework assignments for your classes, was cutting edge. The times, they are a-changing. New tools such as wikis and web-based document sharing services allow multiple contributors to not only view but participate in the construction of websites, proposals, class projects, etc. Using such tools requires that we rethink our work habits, and develop appropriate protocols and etiquette that foster productive collaboration. This session will encourage the audience to participate in an examination of some successful, and perhaps some not-so-successful, efforts, and to help envision possible strategies for improvement. Panelists will include Mike May, St. Louis University, and Ramit Sethi, Co-founder and VP of Marketing for PBwiki. This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Professional Development.
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FLATLAND: THE MOVIE
Friday, August 3, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thomas Banchoff, Brown University
Flatland: The Movie is a half-hour animated film produced in 2007. It was inspired by Edwin A. Abbott's classic novel, Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Set in a world of only two dimensions inhabited by sentient geometrical shapes, the story follows Arthur Square and his ever-curious granddaughter Hex. When a mysterious visitor arrives from Spaceland, Arthur and Hex must come to terms with the truth of the third dimension, risking dire consequences from the evil Circles that have ruled Flatland for a thousand years. A discussion will follow concerning its use in classroom teaching.
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HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS
David Manderscheid, University of Iowa
Saturday, August 4, 9:00 am - 10:20 am
This session is aimed Ph.D. students and at recent Ph.D.s. An overview of the employment process will be given with ample opportunity for participants to ask questions. Questions that will be addressed include: How do you find which jobs are available? How do you choose which jobs you want to apply for? What are academic and other employers looking for in the materials that you send? What should you be doing now? How do schools conduct interviews? How can you best prepare for these interviews? How do employers choose to whom they will make offers? How do you negotiate once you have an offer? Panelists will include: Sharon Clarke, Pepperdine University; James Freeman, Cornell College; David Manderscheid, University of Iowa: and Joanne Peeples, El Paso Community College. The session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Graduate Students, and is co-sponsored by The Young Mathematicians Network.
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STARTING AND MAINTAINING A STUDENT INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH PROGRAM IN THE MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
Maria Cayco, San Jose State University
Tim Hsu, San Jose State University
Saturday, August 4 , 9:00 pm - 10:20 pm
In recent years, several colleges and universities have started programs to give students the opportunity to do research on problems in the mathematical sciences coming from industry, government agencies, and businesses. In these programs, students see how the mathematics they learn in the classroom can make a difference in the real world. Also, by getting real-world experience, learning practical job skills, and working in teams, students gain an edge in finding good jobs after they graduate. In this panel discussion, directors of mathematical student industrial research programs from a variety of institutions (public, private, small, large) will talk about their experiences in starting and maintaining their programs. We hope that neophytes will become interested in starting a program at their institutions; that people who are about to start a program will pick up concrete pointers; and that current program directors will gain valuable know-how and contacts. Panelists will include Robert Borrelli, Harvey Mudd College; Tim Hsu, San Jose State University; Michael Moody, Olin College of Engineering; Michael O'Leary, Towson University; and Michael Raugh, The Research in Industrial Projects (RIPS) Program at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, UCLA.
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MAA PRIZE SESSION
Saturday, August 4, 11:30 am - Noon
This session will be moderated by Martha J. Siegel, Towson University, MAA Secretary.
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THE DEPARTMENT SELF-STUDY: HOW TO ENSURE THAT IT IS PURPOSEFUL?
Donna Beers, Simmons College
Kyle Riley, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Saturday, August 4, 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm
Self-study is a process that accompanies, and is central to, the departmental cycle of program review. It is used by central administration to help it analyze the role of the department within the institution; assess the content and quality of departmental programs, pedagogy, scholarship, and service; analyze potential curricular development and new opportunities for growth and contribution; and ensure academic excellence. For departments, common stumbling blocks to undertaking self-study include time constraints; the feeling that nothing will come of it; fear of assessment; inertia; and, difficulties in accessing needed data. In this panel, we consider how a department can turn an administrative mandate into an opportunity for renewal. Panelists include leaders of two recent PREP workshops on self-study and outside consultants, plus participants in those workshops who will share their perspectives. Panelists include: Donna Beers, Simmons College; Kyle Riley, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Tommy Ratliff, Wheaton College; Klay Kruczek, Western Oregon University. The session is sponsored by the MAA Professional Enhancement Program (PREP)
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THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA MATH CIRCLES A DECADE LATER
Hugo Rossi, University of Utah
Saturday, August 4, 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
In 1997-1998, the Math Circles for middle and high school students in Berkeley and San Jose were started; another in Palo Alto a few years later, and two years ago, one in San Francisco, directed toward middle and high school teachers as well as students. Last summer, the American Institute of Mathematics in Palo Alto hosted an initial phase of a math circle for middle school teachers. All these circles are doing well, as are some 20 or so nationwide. The main themes to be discussed by the panel are: Recruitment and training of Math Circle Instructors, and Finding suitable math circle materials and resources for new Math Circle instructors. The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute has created a "set-up" kit, Circle-in-a-box, including collected notes, sample sessions, both in text and video. These will be available at the session. The panelist for this session will be Gerald Alexanderson, Santa Clara University; Joe Gallian, University of Minnesota Duluth; Steven Krantz, Washington University in St. Louis and ARCC, Palo Alto; Harold Reiter, University of North Carolina, Charlotte; Hugo Rossi, University of Utah (moderator); Mark Saul, Bronxville Schools;Tatiana Shubin, San Jose State University; Zvezdelina Stankova, Mills College; and Paul Zeitz, University of San Francisco
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WORKSHOP ON ESSENTIAL REASONING ABILITIES AND CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR BEGINNING CALCULUS
Marilyn Carlson, Arizona state University
Session 1: Saturday, August 3, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Participants will discuss videos of students completing tasks from the Precalculus Assessment Instrument that assess their understandings of function concepts that are essential for successful completion of first semester calculus. Focused discussions of select research data will reveal these foundational understandings and reasoning abilities. The modules will be shared with workshop participants. The workshop is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.
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MAA ALDER AWARDS SESSION
Saturday, August 4, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The session will be moderated by Joseph Gallian, University of Minnesota at Duluth, MAA President. Presentations will be given by the 2007 Alder Award recipients:
Darren Narayan of Rochester Institute of Technology
Motivating Student Learning through Real World Applications of Higher Mathematics
A good teacher inspires and motivates students to tap into the tremendous energy that can be derived from learning and doing mathematics, as well as prepare them for the world that will enter after graduation.
Students perk up when they can apply the mathematics that they have learned. Traditional curricula seldom offer students concrete examples of cutting-edge, real world applications of higher mathematics. As a result students finish their undergraduate mathematics career asking themselves the question, "What else can I do with a mathematics degree besides teach?" To address this need, we launched the STEM Real World Applications Modules Project funded by an NSF-CCLI grant. Topics included in this project include applications of graph theory to reconstruction of three-dimensional images (Microsoft Research), analysis of flight route maps for airlines (JetBlue Airways), mathematical analysis of telecommunication networks (Level 3 Communications), and identification of WWW cyber communities (Google).
The goal of the STEM Real World Applications Modules Project is to better prepare faculty to answer the question, "What else can mathematics graduates do besides teach?" A student completing these modules will already know.
Timothy P. Chartier of Davidson College
Engaging students mathematically - pitch by pitch
Abstract: Pitching can play an important role in engaging students-- pitching ideas, that is. This talk will reflect on my experiences (both successful and challenging) in presenting students with ideas that engage them in and out of the classroom. We will discuss student work that includes scholarly research, expository writing and service to the community.
Satyan L. Devadoss of Williams College
Reclaiming Da Vinci: Visualization and Mathematics
The Renaissance exemplified a natural unity of the sciences and the arts. Leonardo da Vinci epitomized this unity in his paintings, sculptures, inventions, and scientific study, bringing together artistic creativity and systematic rigor. For me, his mindset has been a driving force, motivating and directing my own work. This talk portrays my struggles and successes in visualization, most notably in designing new courses and fostering undergraduate research. The topics range from particle collisions and polyhedra in mathematics, to origami design and cartography in computer science, to manufacturing and modeling in studio art.
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CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH BY UNDERGRADUATES IN MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
Jason Miller, Truman State University
K. Renee Fister, Murray State University
Saturday, August 4, 2:30 pm - 3:50 pm
Information technology is revolutionizing the way life scientists choose questions to tackle and the way they seek answers. This so- called New Biology, which relies on mathematical tools and ways of thinking, now drives economic sectors of national importance, supports important governmental agencies, and is responsible for many important medical advances. As a result, there are pressures on the mathematical community to prepare today's students to contribute to this interdisciplinary, team-oriented workforce. This panel will discuss this issue and how curricular change and undergraduate research are being used to meet this national need. The panelists will include Amitahba Bose, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Meghan Burke, Kennesaw State University; Vincent Cassone, Texas A&M University; Eric Marland, Appalachian State University; John Milton, Claremont Colleges; and Lori Stevens, University of Vermont. The session is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Mathematical and Computational Biology.
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LEARNING TO PROVE: STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' PROOF WRITING SKILLS
Cheryl Olsen, Shippensburg University
Saturday, August 4, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
This session will focus on what works. There will be brief descriptions from several presenters and then participants will choose from several small group discussions. The topics addressed will include: Outlining the proof. The genre of proof. Getting students to use definitions. Assessment of proofs, including the use of multiple drafts and peer review. The session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics.
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ADMINISTERING THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Steve, Dunbar, MAA American Mathematics Competition
Saturday, August 4, 3:00 pm - 4:20 pm
Panelists will describe their experiences administering the American Mathematics Competion on their campus, what they did for the students, what worked well, and what obstacles and problems they encountered. Panelists will include Dan Geba of the University of Rochester and Daniel Kemp, South Dakota State University. The session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the American Mathematics Competitions.
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MAA VIDEO SESSION
Peter Ross, Santa Clara University
"Porridge, Pulleys, and Pi / Two Mathematical Journeys"
Saturday, August 4, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
This half-hour MSRI video was produced in 2004 by director George Csicsery and shows Hendrik Lenstra and Vaughan Jones of University of California at Berkeley at work and play and with their families. It gives an excellent view of these two well-known but very different mathematicians and their lives and work.
Saturday, August 4, 4:10 pm - 4:50 pm
"Infinite Acres" and "The Theorem of Pythagoras"
The first of these two is a cartoon illustrating properties of improper integrals. It is followed by Tom Apostol's video that shows several engaging animated proofs of the theorem, along with some extensions to three dimensions.
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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE MATHEMATICIAN
Steve Krantz, Washington University
Saturday, August 4, 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
The mathematician is something of an anomaly among modern professionals. We spend our lives thinking about problems that we cannot solve. As a result we perhaps develop some eccentricities, and some habits and features that are particular to the profession. These observations affect the way that we perceive ourselves and the way that others perceive us. The purpose of this panel is to discuss the place of the mathematician in society and the role that we play. Panelist will include Frank Morgan, Williams College;
Rob Kirby, University of California at Berkeley; Jim Milgram, Stanford; Bill McCallum, University of Arizona; and Pete Casazza, University of Missouri.
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MAA BUSINESS MEETING
Sunday, August 5, 11:30 am - Noon
This session will be moderated by Martha J. Siegel, Towson University, MAA Secretary.
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DEVELOPING CONTENT-BASED MASTERS PROGRAMS FOR IN-SERVICE
MATHEMATICS TEACHERS
Karen Marrongelle, Portland State University
Marjorie Enneking, Portland State University
Sunday, August 5, 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm
The CBMS report The Mathematical Education of Teachers, the national No Child Left Behind act, and results of national and international mathematics assessment have promoted increased attention to ongoing content development of secondary mathematics teachers. This session will highlight a spectrum of content-based masters programs for in-service secondary and community college mathematics teachers. Panelists will describe features and characteristics of their programs, specifically highlighting the role of mathematics content courses in the degree program. Panelist presentations will be followed by questions and comments from the audience. Panelists include Steve Benson from the University of New Hampshire, Trisha Bergthold from San Jose State University, Karen Marrongelle from Portland State University, Chris Rasmussen from San Diego State University, and Joe Yanik from Emporia State University. Those who are developing or renewing graduate degree programs for in-service teachers are especially encouraged to attend. Panelist will include Steve Benson, Education Development Center and the University of New Hampshire; Trisha Bergthold, San Jose State University; Karen Marrongelle, Portland State University; Chris Rasmussen, San Diego State University; and Joe Yanik, Emporia State University. The session is co-sponsored by the San Jose Program Committee and the SIGMAA on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.
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WORKSHOP ON ESSENTIAL REASONING ABILITIES AND CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR BEGINNING CALCULUS
Marilyn Carlson, Arizona State University
Session 2: Sunday, August 4, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Participants will discuss four modules that have been developed in a current research project to promote students' understandings of the concepts of function, limit, derivative and accumulation. Participants will examine video data that reveals students' reasoning abilities as they complete the activities in these modules. Data will also be presented to illustrate students' ways of thinking that have emerged by completing these modules. The modules will be shared with workshop participants. The workshop is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.
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WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINING WEBWORK, A WEB BASED INTERACTIVE HOMEWORK SYSTEM
Michael E. Gage, University of Rochester
Arnold K. Pizer, University of Rochester
Vicki Roth, University of Rochester
Sunday, August 5, 1:00-4:30 pm
WeBWorK is a program which allows students to do their mathematical homework interactively over the web. It is currently being used by over 100 colleges, universities and high schools in courses such as college algebra, pre-calculus to vector calculus, differential equations, linear algebra and statistics. WeBWorK can handle most homework problems typically used in such courses and is distributed with an extensive library of problems. There will be an introduction to WeBWorK for those unfamiliar with the system but most of the session will be devoted to "sustainability" issues, e.g. how do we keep WeBWorK going over the long haul, both as an open-source community and also at the local level. We will address issues such as using WeBWorK for the first time both from the point of an institution and an individual professor, local and national support, supporting ongoing assessment, and maintaining the National Library of WeBWorK problems. Further information on WeBWorK and this session can be found at http://www.maa.org/webwork
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TECHNICALLY SPEAKING: FOSTERING THE COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF MATHEMATICS STUDENTS
Lew Ludwig, Denison University
Sunday, August 5, 2:30 pm - 3:50 pm
Panelists will describe how they successfully integrated the instruction of communication skills in their mathematics curriculum. Each takes a unique approach: sophomore level proofs course, junior level course co-taught with a member of the communication department, and a senior level capstone course. One of the programs has evolved into an NSF Course Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) project and another was featured in an issue of Focus. Audience members will have the chance to participate in the evaluation of the materials produced for the CCLI grant. The panelists will include: John Thompson, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown; Russ Goodman, Central College; and Jessen Havill, Denison University.
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CREATING GEOMETRIC ISLAMIC PATTERNS
B. Lynn Bodner, Monmouth University
Sunday, August 5, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
This presentation will briefly describe and illustrate the main characteristics of Islamic art, such as aniconism (except on secular and courtly works of art), Qur’anic calligraphy (considered the highest art form in the Islamic world due to its role in recording the word of God), the tendency to cover entire two-dimensional surfaces with infinitely-repeating elements (usually geometric patterns or vegetal arabesques), and three-dimensional architectural features, such as minarets, pendentives, squinches, muqarnas and ‘fancy’ arches. Next, the historical evidence for the use of various techniques (including grids, zillij, and compass and straightedge procedures) by medieval artisans for generating highly symmetric, infinitely-repeating planar geometric Islamic designs will be presented. Using each of these methods, (and noting the advantages and limitations of each), we will demonstrate the step-by-step recreation of numerous examples of geometric Islamic patterns found throughout the Islamic world. Lastly, we will show and explain examples of the “nearly perfect, quasi-crystalline” Islamic tilings discussed recently in the February 2007 Science article by Lu and Steinhardt (physicists at Harvard and Princeton Universities, respectively) and previously by Makovicky (University of Copenhagen). The session is sponsored by the MAA SIGMAA on Mathematics and the Arts.
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