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 241-260 of 471 results.
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ID:
318
Year: 2011
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: #non-IA section
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Issues of the Transition to College Mathematics
Abstract: Over the past quarter century, 2- and 4-year college enrollment in first semester calculus has remained constant while high school enrollment in calculus has grown tenfold, from 60,000 to 600,000, and continues to grow at 6% per year. We have passed the cross-over point where each year more students study first semester calculus in US high schools than in all 2- and 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. In theory, this should be an engine for directing more students toward careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. In fact, it is having the opposite effect. This talk will present what is known about the effects of this growth and what needs to happen in response within our high schools and universities.
Year: 2011
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: #non-IA section
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Issues of the Transition to College Mathematics
Abstract: Over the past quarter century, 2- and 4-year college enrollment in first semester calculus has remained constant while high school enrollment in calculus has grown tenfold, from 60,000 to 600,000, and continues to grow at 6% per year. We have passed the cross-over point where each year more students study first semester calculus in US high schools than in all 2- and 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. In theory, this should be an engine for directing more students toward careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. In fact, it is having the opposite effect. This talk will present what is known about the effects of this growth and what needs to happen in response within our high schools and universities.
ID:
317
Year: 2011
Name: Panel Discussants
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Developments in Calculus Instruction
Abstract: All Special Session Speakers, along with representatives from several other institutions in the Section, will discuss and entertain questions about current and impending developments.
Year: 2011
Name: Panel Discussants
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Developments in Calculus Instruction
Abstract: All Special Session Speakers, along with representatives from several other institutions in the Section, will discuss and entertain questions about current and impending developments.
ID:
316
Year: 2011
Name: Tony DeLaubenfels
Institution: Cornell College
Subject area(s): Mathematical Modeling/Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Modeling Course Confidential
Abstract: Mathematical modeling has in recent years become the course of choice to provide a foundation in applied math to math majors. Common traits of this course include
Year: 2011
Name: Tony DeLaubenfels
Institution: Cornell College
Subject area(s): Mathematical Modeling/Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Modeling Course Confidential
Abstract: Mathematical modeling has in recent years become the course of choice to provide a foundation in applied math to math majors. Common traits of this course include
ID:
315
Year: 2011
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Algebra
Title of Talk: Baumslag-Solitar Groups and Their Representations
Abstract: The presenter will provide the audience with background on the Baumslag-Solitar groups and will share results from his search for simple representations of such groups. There will also be a discussion of the deformations of his simple representations and how this leads to determining the dimension of the representation variety and representation scheme at those simple representations.
Year: 2011
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Algebra
Title of Talk: Baumslag-Solitar Groups and Their Representations
Abstract: The presenter will provide the audience with background on the Baumslag-Solitar groups and will share results from his search for simple representations of such groups. There will also be a discussion of the deformations of his simple representations and how this leads to determining the dimension of the representation variety and representation scheme at those simple representations.
ID:
314
Year: 2011
Name: Bill Wood
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): calculus
Title of Talk: Squigonometry: Developing non-euclidean trigonometry with elementary calculus
Abstract: Differential equations offers one approach to defining the classical trigonometric functions sine and cosine that parameterize the unit circle. We adapt this approach to develop analogous functions that parameterize the unit "squircle" defined by $x^4+y^4=1$. As we develop our new theory of "squigonometry" using only elementary calculus, we will catch glimpses of some very interesting and deep ideas in elliptic integrals, non-euclidean geometry, number theory, and complex analysis.
Year: 2011
Name: Bill Wood
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): calculus
Title of Talk: Squigonometry: Developing non-euclidean trigonometry with elementary calculus
Abstract: Differential equations offers one approach to defining the classical trigonometric functions sine and cosine that parameterize the unit circle. We adapt this approach to develop analogous functions that parameterize the unit "squircle" defined by $x^4+y^4=1$. As we develop our new theory of "squigonometry" using only elementary calculus, we will catch glimpses of some very interesting and deep ideas in elliptic integrals, non-euclidean geometry, number theory, and complex analysis.
ID:
313
Year: 2011
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): Introductory Complex Analysis
Title of Talk: Just Plane Numbers
Abstract: The vocabulary of a typical introduction to complex numbers challenges the beginner with a bewildering array of words with strong connotations of "imaginary," "complex," and "non-real." By combining a geometric approach to complex arithmetic found in Roger Penrose's book "The Road to Reality" with the interactive geometry package, Geogebra, we show that it is possible and even insightful to characterize these as just plane numbers.
Year: 2011
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): Introductory Complex Analysis
Title of Talk: Just Plane Numbers
Abstract: The vocabulary of a typical introduction to complex numbers challenges the beginner with a bewildering array of words with strong connotations of "imaginary," "complex," and "non-real." By combining a geometric approach to complex arithmetic found in Roger Penrose's book "The Road to Reality" with the interactive geometry package, Geogebra, we show that it is possible and even insightful to characterize these as just plane numbers.
ID:
312
Year: 2011
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): geometry/analysis
Title of Talk: Harmonic Maps and Discrete Groups
Abstract: We explain a framework for how a new theorem about harmonic maps can be used to advance the rigidity theory of some discrete groups of matrices.
Year: 2011
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): geometry/analysis
Title of Talk: Harmonic Maps and Discrete Groups
Abstract: We explain a framework for how a new theorem about harmonic maps can be used to advance the rigidity theory of some discrete groups of matrices.
ID:
311
Year: 2011
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Writing
Abstract: Each fall at Simpson College, Student Support Services helps a group of new students transition to college through the week-long CampusConnect program. The students in the program must be from low-income families, be first-generation college students, and/or have a disability. A one-week course is offered as part of the program. This fall I team-taught a Mathematics and Writing course with the Director of Writing Across the Curriculum. This talk will discuss the topics covered, the assignments given, and student responses to the class.
Year: 2011
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Writing
Abstract: Each fall at Simpson College, Student Support Services helps a group of new students transition to college through the week-long CampusConnect program. The students in the program must be from low-income families, be first-generation college students, and/or have a disability. A one-week course is offered as part of the program. This fall I team-taught a Mathematics and Writing course with the Director of Writing Across the Curriculum. This talk will discuss the topics covered, the assignments given, and student responses to the class.
ID:
310
Year: 2011
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Calculus (special session 1)
Title of Talk: Calculus at Luther College
Abstract: Calculus at Luther College: Over the past two decades Calculus instruction at Luther has slowly moved from Reform Calculus back towards a more traditional approach. Several aspects of Reform Calculus, especially the use of technology, have been retained as essential components to teaching Calculus in the modern age. The main reason we moved back to a more traditional way of teaching Calculus was that we found we needed a more intellectually challenging course with sound theoretical foundations for our math majors.
Year: 2011
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Calculus (special session 1)
Title of Talk: Calculus at Luther College
Abstract: Calculus at Luther College: Over the past two decades Calculus instruction at Luther has slowly moved from Reform Calculus back towards a more traditional approach. Several aspects of Reform Calculus, especially the use of technology, have been retained as essential components to teaching Calculus in the modern age. The main reason we moved back to a more traditional way of teaching Calculus was that we found we needed a more intellectually challenging course with sound theoretical foundations for our math majors.
ID:
309
Year: 2011
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): First Semester Calculus, Group Work
Title of Talk: Group Activities In Calculus
Abstract: I have been devoting one day a week to group work in calculus. I show the type of activities that I have used. I have some data on the interest shown, and how these group scores compare with the traditional tests scores.
Year: 2011
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): First Semester Calculus, Group Work
Title of Talk: Group Activities In Calculus
Abstract: I have been devoting one day a week to group work in calculus. I show the type of activities that I have used. I have some data on the interest shown, and how these group scores compare with the traditional tests scores.
ID:
308
Year: 2011
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: A Simple Puzzle in Arithmetic Logic For Mathematical Exercise
Abstract: The KenKen is a simple math puzzle that was created by Tetsuya Miyamoto and is based on the operations of simple arithmetic on an n x n grid. The question of note is, how many puzzles are there up through the 9 x 9 grid?
Year: 2011
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: A Simple Puzzle in Arithmetic Logic For Mathematical Exercise
Abstract: The KenKen is a simple math puzzle that was created by Tetsuya Miyamoto and is based on the operations of simple arithmetic on an n x n grid. The question of note is, how many puzzles are there up through the 9 x 9 grid?
ID:
307
Year: 2011
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: A First Calculus Course Using Numerical Tools and Modeling
Abstract: Our Calculus redesign consists of students learning the concepts of differentiation and integration by focusing on mathematical modeling and numerical solutions to differential equations. Topics covered include Euler's method, the Newtonian model for air resistance, the buoyancy of hot air ballooning, predator-prey models, Malaria and more.
Year: 2011
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: A First Calculus Course Using Numerical Tools and Modeling
Abstract: Our Calculus redesign consists of students learning the concepts of differentiation and integration by focusing on mathematical modeling and numerical solutions to differential equations. Topics covered include Euler's method, the Newtonian model for air resistance, the buoyancy of hot air ballooning, predator-prey models, Malaria and more.
ID:
306
Year: 2011
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Discovery learning in linear algebra using dynamical geometry software.
Abstract: I have developed several Geometers Sketchpad sketches that students can use to help them understand transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and a geometrical interpretation of the determinant. These dynamic sketches are used in discovery learning exercises in a computer classroom. In this talk I will demonstrate a couple of sketches and explain how they are used in the classroom.
Year: 2011
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Discovery learning in linear algebra using dynamical geometry software.
Abstract: I have developed several Geometers Sketchpad sketches that students can use to help them understand transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and a geometrical interpretation of the determinant. These dynamic sketches are used in discovery learning exercises in a computer classroom. In this talk I will demonstrate a couple of sketches and explain how they are used in the classroom.
ID:
305
Year: 2011
Name: Travis Peters
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Zero forcing number, maximum nullity, and path cover number of complete edge subdivision graphs
Abstract: The minimum rank of a simple graph G is defined to be the smallest possible rank over all symmetric real matrices whose ijth entry is nonzero whenever {i, j} is an edge in G and is zero otherwise. Maximum nullity is taken over the same set of matrices. The zero forcing number is the minimum size of a zero forcing set of vertices and bounds the maximum nullity from above. The path cover number is the fewest number of vertex disjoint induced paths that cover all the vertices of the graph. We study the effect of edge subdivisions of a graph on the zero forcing number, maximum nullity, and path cover number.
Year: 2011
Name: Travis Peters
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Zero forcing number, maximum nullity, and path cover number of complete edge subdivision graphs
Abstract: The minimum rank of a simple graph G is defined to be the smallest possible rank over all symmetric real matrices whose ijth entry is nonzero whenever {i, j} is an edge in G and is zero otherwise. Maximum nullity is taken over the same set of matrices. The zero forcing number is the minimum size of a zero forcing set of vertices and bounds the maximum nullity from above. The path cover number is the fewest number of vertex disjoint induced paths that cover all the vertices of the graph. We study the effect of edge subdivisions of a graph on the zero forcing number, maximum nullity, and path cover number.
ID:
304
Year: 2011
Name: Joel Haack
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): History of Mathematics
Title of Talk: Beginning a history of the Iowa Section of the MAA
Abstract: An interactive session focused on sources for the history of the Iowa Section of the MAA as part of its Centennial celebration in 2015.
Year: 2011
Name: Joel Haack
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): History of Mathematics
Title of Talk: Beginning a history of the Iowa Section of the MAA
Abstract: An interactive session focused on sources for the history of the Iowa Section of the MAA as part of its Centennial celebration in 2015.
ID:
303
Year: 2011
Name: Christopher French
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): Number theory and Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Catalan Numbers and Hankel Transformations
Abstract: We explore recurrence relations obtained from taking the Hankel transform of various linear combinations of Catalan numbers.
Year: 2011
Name: Christopher French
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): Number theory and Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Catalan Numbers and Hankel Transformations
Abstract: We explore recurrence relations obtained from taking the Hankel transform of various linear combinations of Catalan numbers.
ID:
302
Year: 2010
Name: Matthew Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Colloquium: Experiences from Loras College
Abstract: Also presenting: Angela Kohlhass (Loras College). In this talk, the speakers will describe their experiences initiating and maintaining the Loras College half of the Bi-State Mathematics Colloquium. The BSMC is a partnership between the math departments of UW-Platteville and Loras College and is in its second year. The Loras talks provide a venue for Loras math students and faculty to hear from mathematicians in the region surrounding Loras College on a biweekly basis. Topics that will be addressed in this talk include finding speakers, getting students to attend, establishing regional buy-in, and the issues that we have yet to resolve.
Year: 2010
Name: Matthew Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Colloquium: Experiences from Loras College
Abstract: Also presenting: Angela Kohlhass (Loras College). In this talk, the speakers will describe their experiences initiating and maintaining the Loras College half of the Bi-State Mathematics Colloquium. The BSMC is a partnership between the math departments of UW-Platteville and Loras College and is in its second year. The Loras talks provide a venue for Loras math students and faculty to hear from mathematicians in the region surrounding Loras College on a biweekly basis. Topics that will be addressed in this talk include finding speakers, getting students to attend, establishing regional buy-in, and the issues that we have yet to resolve.
ID:
301
Year: 2010
Name: Darin Mohr
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Iowa Mathematical Modeling Challenge: Modeling in an Experimental Learning Setting
Abstract: We discuss the recent success of the third annual Iowa Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC). The IMMC is a twenty-four hour contest similar to COMAP's Mathematical Contest in Modeling, but with an added emphasis on student assessment and mathematical communication. We also discuss the future of the IMMC at the University of Iowa.
Year: 2010
Name: Darin Mohr
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Iowa Mathematical Modeling Challenge: Modeling in an Experimental Learning Setting
Abstract: We discuss the recent success of the third annual Iowa Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC). The IMMC is a twenty-four hour contest similar to COMAP's Mathematical Contest in Modeling, but with an added emphasis on student assessment and mathematical communication. We also discuss the future of the IMMC at the University of Iowa.
ID:
300
Year: 2010
Name: Rick Gillman
Institution: Valparaiso University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Everyday Questions, Not-So-Everyday Mathematics
Abstract: The world is full of un-explored mathematical problems. This talk presents the stories of three problems that the presenter found in his everyday world and investigated with undergraduate research partners. One is solved completely, one quickly reaches deep and un-explored mathematical territory, and the third, while not solved, opens many paths for further exploration.
Year: 2010
Name: Rick Gillman
Institution: Valparaiso University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Everyday Questions, Not-So-Everyday Mathematics
Abstract: The world is full of un-explored mathematical problems. This talk presents the stories of three problems that the presenter found in his everyday world and investigated with undergraduate research partners. One is solved completely, one quickly reaches deep and un-explored mathematical territory, and the third, while not solved, opens many paths for further exploration.
ID:
299
Year: 2010
Name: John Berkowitz
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Algorithm for the Detection of Transient Neural Oscillations
Abstract: The analysis of neural activity through measures of electrical potential affords researchers great opportunity to understand in detail the dynamic nature of certain brain processes. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Local Field Potential recording (LFP) are two of the most common methods for measuring this activity. Both are essentially recordings of the electrical potential over time in a highly localized segment of the brain, and produce data sets that can show surprising amounts of structure. Oscillations with very well defined frequencies are the most common examples of structure within these recordings, and a large portion of modern neuroscience research focuses on how different frequency bands of these oscillations relate to different modes of activity for the organism being studied. Such signals can easily be detected and quantified automatically with traditional signal processing tools such as the Fourier transform. However, there also exist very transient oscillations within such recordings that are of interest to researchers. These require more sophisticated techniques to detect, because of their dual localization in both the time and frequency domains. A combination of several classic signal processing tools, namely digital band-pass filters, the Hilbert transform, z-scoring, and numerical derivatives has yielded an efficient and accurate algorithm for the detection of such transient oscillations. This algorithm has been applied to LFP data for sleeping rats and used to detect the well-known phenomena of sleep spindles, which are a hallmark of late stage sleep in mammals.
Year: 2010
Name: John Berkowitz
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Algorithm for the Detection of Transient Neural Oscillations
Abstract: The analysis of neural activity through measures of electrical potential affords researchers great opportunity to understand in detail the dynamic nature of certain brain processes. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Local Field Potential recording (LFP) are two of the most common methods for measuring this activity. Both are essentially recordings of the electrical potential over time in a highly localized segment of the brain, and produce data sets that can show surprising amounts of structure. Oscillations with very well defined frequencies are the most common examples of structure within these recordings, and a large portion of modern neuroscience research focuses on how different frequency bands of these oscillations relate to different modes of activity for the organism being studied. Such signals can easily be detected and quantified automatically with traditional signal processing tools such as the Fourier transform. However, there also exist very transient oscillations within such recordings that are of interest to researchers. These require more sophisticated techniques to detect, because of their dual localization in both the time and frequency domains. A combination of several classic signal processing tools, namely digital band-pass filters, the Hilbert transform, z-scoring, and numerical derivatives has yielded an efficient and accurate algorithm for the detection of such transient oscillations. This algorithm has been applied to LFP data for sleeping rats and used to detect the well-known phenomena of sleep spindles, which are a hallmark of late stage sleep in mammals.