Proposals
Below are some proposals for talks from the past (and current). By clicking on the ID number, more details are shown. By default, these are sorted chronologically (recent first) and by then by last name. The data can be sorted by alternate means by using the links at the top right, each allowing ascending or descending orders.
Displaying 221-240 of 471 results.
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ID:
339
Year: 2012
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): analysis
Title of Talk: A Beautiful Cantor-like Function
Abstract: Analysis students encounter various functions with exotic properties. This could include functions with infinitely many discontinuities (Dirichlet function, Thomae function, windmill functions) or continuous functions which grow in a bizarre way (Cantor function, Minkowski's question mark function). After quickly reviewing these, we introduce a new function f(x) which combines enticing properties from both of these classes: a dense set of discontinuities, fractal structure, a base-3 digital representation, satisfies f(f(x))=x, and has surprising integral properties. This function makes an excellent study to conclude a first course in analysis.
Year: 2012
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): analysis
Title of Talk: A Beautiful Cantor-like Function
Abstract: Analysis students encounter various functions with exotic properties. This could include functions with infinitely many discontinuities (Dirichlet function, Thomae function, windmill functions) or continuous functions which grow in a bizarre way (Cantor function, Minkowski's question mark function). After quickly reviewing these, we introduce a new function f(x) which combines enticing properties from both of these classes: a dense set of discontinuities, fractal structure, a base-3 digital representation, satisfies f(f(x))=x, and has surprising integral properties. This function makes an excellent study to conclude a first course in analysis.
ID:
338
Year: 2012
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Introduction to Sage
Abstract: Sage is a free, open-source mathematical software system. In this workshop we will give a short introduction to the capabilities and features of Sage and give everyone a chance to try it out.
Year: 2012
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Introduction to Sage
Abstract: Sage is a free, open-source mathematical software system. In this workshop we will give a short introduction to the capabilities and features of Sage and give everyone a chance to try it out.
ID:
337
Year: 2012
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Points are Terrible. Better Assessment is possible
Abstract: This is a preliminary report (and a bit of a polemic) about my new experiment with standards based assessment in a college level Euclidean Geometry course.
Year: 2012
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Points are Terrible. Better Assessment is possible
Abstract: This is a preliminary report (and a bit of a polemic) about my new experiment with standards based assessment in a college level Euclidean Geometry course.
ID:
336
Year: 2012
Name: Kelly Woodard
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Beggar Your Neighbor, The Search for an Infinite Game
Abstract: In this talk we will present the work completed in the summer of 2012 during the Dr. Albert H. and Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. We furthered the analysis of the card game Beggar-My-Neighbor specifically with the intent of discovering a deal that leads to an infinite game in a 52-card deck. We used combinatorics and programs written in Mathematica to examine and refine the large number of possible deals based on structures that lead to cyclic behavior.
Year: 2012
Name: Kelly Woodard
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Beggar Your Neighbor, The Search for an Infinite Game
Abstract: In this talk we will present the work completed in the summer of 2012 during the Dr. Albert H. and Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. We furthered the analysis of the card game Beggar-My-Neighbor specifically with the intent of discovering a deal that leads to an infinite game in a 52-card deck. We used combinatorics and programs written in Mathematica to examine and refine the large number of possible deals based on structures that lead to cyclic behavior.
ID:
335
Year: 2012
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sabbatical Leave, the Perfect Time to Mentor Undergraduates in Research.
Abstract: During my previous and now current sabbatical I have involved undergraduates in my research activities. I included my intentions in my sabbatical applications and this fact I firmly believe strengthened my proposals. This talk will focus on the strategies I have employed in involving students in my work and the subsequent outcomes.
Year: 2012
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sabbatical Leave, the Perfect Time to Mentor Undergraduates in Research.
Abstract: During my previous and now current sabbatical I have involved undergraduates in my research activities. I included my intentions in my sabbatical applications and this fact I firmly believe strengthened my proposals. This talk will focus on the strategies I have employed in involving students in my work and the subsequent outcomes.
ID:
334
Year: 2012
Name: Henry Walker
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): MAA CUPM Subcommittee Status Report
Title of Talk: MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science
Abstract: The MAA CUPM currently is working on a revision of its curricular recommendations for undergraduate programs and departments. As part of this effort, CUPM has appointed several Program Study Groups to explore how mathematics programs might support and collaborate with programs in other areas. Topics for consideration include supporting courses, minors, double majors, and other interdisciplinary opportunities. This session will review the current activities of the MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science. Feedback from the session attendees will be sought to help clarify what types of information might be helpful within a forthcoming Study Group report.
Year: 2012
Name: Henry Walker
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): MAA CUPM Subcommittee Status Report
Title of Talk: MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science
Abstract: The MAA CUPM currently is working on a revision of its curricular recommendations for undergraduate programs and departments. As part of this effort, CUPM has appointed several Program Study Groups to explore how mathematics programs might support and collaborate with programs in other areas. Topics for consideration include supporting courses, minors, double majors, and other interdisciplinary opportunities. This session will review the current activities of the MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science. Feedback from the session attendees will be sought to help clarify what types of information might be helpful within a forthcoming Study Group report.
ID:
333
Year: 2012
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: A line need not be straight!
Abstract: In Geometry a line is an undefined term, governed only by whatever axioms you want to impose on it. Students have a hard time with proofs in non-Euclidean Geometries, because their Euclidean intuition about straight lines keeps interfering with their logical thinking. I try to have my students develop non-Euclidean intuition by introducing them to different worlds: The Green Jello World, inhabited by fish, consists of Jello that is less dense in one direction, but infinitely dense at the end of the world. Escher's World is as a disk populated by inhabitants in which everything shrinks towards the outside. By thinking like inhabitants of these worlds, students realize that you can get from A to B with fewer steps/flipper strokes by not necessarily following a Euclidean line. They naturally come up with the fact that lines (interpreted as shortest paths) can be curved looking paths! Having this hyperbolic intuition makes it much easier for students to write formal proofs in hyperbolic geometry.
Year: 2012
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: A line need not be straight!
Abstract: In Geometry a line is an undefined term, governed only by whatever axioms you want to impose on it. Students have a hard time with proofs in non-Euclidean Geometries, because their Euclidean intuition about straight lines keeps interfering with their logical thinking. I try to have my students develop non-Euclidean intuition by introducing them to different worlds: The Green Jello World, inhabited by fish, consists of Jello that is less dense in one direction, but infinitely dense at the end of the world. Escher's World is as a disk populated by inhabitants in which everything shrinks towards the outside. By thinking like inhabitants of these worlds, students realize that you can get from A to B with fewer steps/flipper strokes by not necessarily following a Euclidean line. They naturally come up with the fact that lines (interpreted as shortest paths) can be curved looking paths! Having this hyperbolic intuition makes it much easier for students to write formal proofs in hyperbolic geometry.
ID:
332
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
ID:
331
Year: 2012
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Multivariate Calculus, numerical mathematics
Title of Talk: Calculus III projects for Undergraduates
Abstract: Multivariate Calculus lends itself particularly well to explorations on the computer. Examples include Newton's method, Steepest Descent, two-dimensional Riemann sums, Euler's method for differential equations. Each of these can be presented in various appealing contexts and is immediately plausible for a student who understands the core concepts of the derivative of a multivariate function and Riemann sums, respectively. On the other hand, exploring the 'approximation' aspect of Calculus with paper and pencil and even with a calculator is less satisfactory than using a computer, especially if powerful mathematical software is available (eg SAGE, R, Matlab, Maple, Mathematica). Ideally, the results can be presented in an appealing graphic, and we'll show examples of student work. Finally, we do not assume any programming skills, but this kind of small project is a great opportunity to learn them.
Year: 2012
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Multivariate Calculus, numerical mathematics
Title of Talk: Calculus III projects for Undergraduates
Abstract: Multivariate Calculus lends itself particularly well to explorations on the computer. Examples include Newton's method, Steepest Descent, two-dimensional Riemann sums, Euler's method for differential equations. Each of these can be presented in various appealing contexts and is immediately plausible for a student who understands the core concepts of the derivative of a multivariate function and Riemann sums, respectively. On the other hand, exploring the 'approximation' aspect of Calculus with paper and pencil and even with a calculator is less satisfactory than using a computer, especially if powerful mathematical software is available (eg SAGE, R, Matlab, Maple, Mathematica). Ideally, the results can be presented in an appealing graphic, and we'll show examples of student work. Finally, we do not assume any programming skills, but this kind of small project is a great opportunity to learn them.
ID:
330
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
ID:
329
Year: 2012
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: 2-Color Rado Numbers
Abstract: Rado numbers are a branch of Combinatorics and are closely related to Ramsey numbers. In this talk, after discussing some of the historical work done on this topic, we will completely determine the 2-color Rado numbers for equations of a certain form.
Year: 2012
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: 2-Color Rado Numbers
Abstract: Rado numbers are a branch of Combinatorics and are closely related to Ramsey numbers. In this talk, after discussing some of the historical work done on this topic, we will completely determine the 2-color Rado numbers for equations of a certain form.
ID:
328
Year: 2012
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Introductory Stats, Teaching with Technology
Title of Talk: Writing WeBWorK questions for Introductory Statistics
Abstract: WeBWorK is an Open-Source online homework system for Mathematics. The Open Problem Library contains many usable questions for Introductory Statistics. In this talk, I will discuss the current procedures for writing questions for Statistics and what improvements I have accomplished to simplify writing questions.
Year: 2012
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Introductory Stats, Teaching with Technology
Title of Talk: Writing WeBWorK questions for Introductory Statistics
Abstract: WeBWorK is an Open-Source online homework system for Mathematics. The Open Problem Library contains many usable questions for Introductory Statistics. In this talk, I will discuss the current procedures for writing questions for Statistics and what improvements I have accomplished to simplify writing questions.
ID:
327
Year: 2012
Name: Eric Canning
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Experiences with grants
Title of Talk: Who is Grant S. Stem?
Abstract: The Mathematical Sciences department at Morningside College was awarded an S-STEM (NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant for the 2009-10 through 2012-13 academic years. I will share our experiences, and maybe some advice, with writing the proposal and maintaining this grant.
Year: 2012
Name: Eric Canning
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Experiences with grants
Title of Talk: Who is Grant S. Stem?
Abstract: The Mathematical Sciences department at Morningside College was awarded an S-STEM (NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant for the 2009-10 through 2012-13 academic years. I will share our experiences, and maybe some advice, with writing the proposal and maintaining this grant.
ID:
326
Year: 2012
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: The Uniqueness of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock
Abstract: I shall demonstrate that Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock is the unique five move fair game up to isomorphism, and that there are is not a unique seven move fair game.
Year: 2012
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: The Uniqueness of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock
Abstract: I shall demonstrate that Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock is the unique five move fair game up to isomorphism, and that there are is not a unique seven move fair game.
ID:
325
Year: 2012
Name: Jitka Stehnova
Institution: Mt. Mercy University
Subject area(s): Grants for Math
Title of Talk: Pi Day, STEM MNOS and ExploreU@MMU
Abstract: Last year, our department was able to secure funding for several different events and programs supporting mathematics on various levels. In this talk, I will talk about these programs, funding opportunities and grant writing.
Year: 2012
Name: Jitka Stehnova
Institution: Mt. Mercy University
Subject area(s): Grants for Math
Title of Talk: Pi Day, STEM MNOS and ExploreU@MMU
Abstract: Last year, our department was able to secure funding for several different events and programs supporting mathematics on various levels. In this talk, I will talk about these programs, funding opportunities and grant writing.
ID:
324
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Math Biology
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Math Biology
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
ID:
322
Year: 2012
Name: Neil Martinsen-Burrell
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): teaching introductory statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Introductory Statistics: An Impostor's Perspective
Abstract: I am not a statistician, but I do play one at my institution. This talk will reflect on an applied mathematician's experience teaching many, many sections of introductory statistics over the past six years. I will discuss challenges that a mathematician may face when teaching statistics, lessons I have learned, and helpful (and unhelpful) resources.
Year: 2012
Name: Neil Martinsen-Burrell
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): teaching introductory statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Introductory Statistics: An Impostor's Perspective
Abstract: I am not a statistician, but I do play one at my institution. This talk will reflect on an applied mathematician's experience teaching many, many sections of introductory statistics over the past six years. I will discuss challenges that a mathematician may face when teaching statistics, lessons I have learned, and helpful (and unhelpful) resources.
ID:
321
Year: 2011
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: #non-IA section
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Truth of Proofs
Abstract: Mathematicians often delude themselves into thinking that we create proofs in order to establish truth. In fact, that which is "proven" is often not true, and mathematical results are often known with certainty to be true long before a proof is found. I will use some illustrations from the history of mathematics to make this point and to show that proof is more about making connections than establishing truth.
Year: 2011
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: #non-IA section
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Truth of Proofs
Abstract: Mathematicians often delude themselves into thinking that we create proofs in order to establish truth. In fact, that which is "proven" is often not true, and mathematical results are often known with certainty to be true long before a proof is found. I will use some illustrations from the history of mathematics to make this point and to show that proof is more about making connections than establishing truth.
ID:
320
Year: 2011
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): calculus, software
Title of Talk: Free Online Homework with Webwork
Abstract: Webwork (http://webwork.maa.org) is a mature popular open-source system for online homework. Sponsored by the NSF and MAA, the system includes tens of thousands of class-tested problems for a large number of undergraduate math courses. Webwork has not only enhanced the quantity and quality of interaction around homework in my class, but it has also dramatically cut costs for students by enabling them to use inexpensive editions of textbooks. I will discuss how Webwork fits into the larger landscape of free open-source educational tools, how I use it in my class, and how you can set it up for your courses.
Year: 2011
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): calculus, software
Title of Talk: Free Online Homework with Webwork
Abstract: Webwork (http://webwork.maa.org) is a mature popular open-source system for online homework. Sponsored by the NSF and MAA, the system includes tens of thousands of class-tested problems for a large number of undergraduate math courses. Webwork has not only enhanced the quantity and quality of interaction around homework in my class, but it has also dramatically cut costs for students by enabling them to use inexpensive editions of textbooks. I will discuss how Webwork fits into the larger landscape of free open-source educational tools, how I use it in my class, and how you can set it up for your courses.
ID:
319
Year: 2011
Name: Elgin Johnston
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Math Education
Title of Talk: The ALEKS Placement Assessment at Iowa State University
Abstract: We are in the process of introducing a new Mathematics placement tool at Iowa State University. This presentation will give some information about the ALEKS system, our background with it, and discuss some preliminary results from our analysis of the effectiveness of the tool.
Year: 2011
Name: Elgin Johnston
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Math Education
Title of Talk: The ALEKS Placement Assessment at Iowa State University
Abstract: We are in the process of introducing a new Mathematics placement tool at Iowa State University. This presentation will give some information about the ALEKS system, our background with it, and discuss some preliminary results from our analysis of the effectiveness of the tool.