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 441-460 of 471 results.
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ID:
94
Year: 2004
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Calculus and Writing
Title of Talk: Using Letter-Writing to Enhance a Calculus Course
Abstract: In this talk, the presenter will describe the experience he is having with letter-writing in a first-semester calculus course. In particular, the presenter has his students write letters to family members, friends, or others in order to communicate what they are experiencing in their calculus class. The presenter will discuss his original goals for this activity, along with the procedural details he set forth. In addition, there will be examples of student letters along with a discussion of what the presenter might want to do differently the next time he runs this activity
Year: 2004
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Calculus and Writing
Title of Talk: Using Letter-Writing to Enhance a Calculus Course
Abstract: In this talk, the presenter will describe the experience he is having with letter-writing in a first-semester calculus course. In particular, the presenter has his students write letters to family members, friends, or others in order to communicate what they are experiencing in their calculus class. The presenter will discuss his original goals for this activity, along with the procedural details he set forth. In addition, there will be examples of student letters along with a discussion of what the presenter might want to do differently the next time he runs this activity
ID:
93
Year: 2004
Name: Stephanie Kleven
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): graph theory or coding theory
Title of Talk: Perfect Codes on Odd Dimension Sierpinski Graphs
Abstract: Sierpinski graphs are built by an iterative construction from a complete graph on d vertices.
Year: 2004
Name: Stephanie Kleven
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): graph theory or coding theory
Title of Talk: Perfect Codes on Odd Dimension Sierpinski Graphs
Abstract: Sierpinski graphs are built by an iterative construction from a complete graph on d vertices.
ID:
75
Year: 2004
Name: Stephen Willson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): graph theory
Title of Talk: Building supertrees using distances
Abstract: Suppose that a family of rooted phylogenetic trees Ti with different sets Xi of leaves is given. A supertree for the family would be a single rooted tree T whose leaf set is the union of all the Xi, such that the branching information in T corresponds to the branching information in all the trees Ti. This talk proposes a polynomial-time method BUILD-WITH-DISTANCES that makes essential use of distance information provided on the trees Ti to construct a rooted tree T. When a supertree containing also the distance information exists, then the method produces a supertree T. This supertree often shows increased resolution over the trees found by methods that utilize only the topology of the input trees.
Year: 2004
Name: Stephen Willson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): graph theory
Title of Talk: Building supertrees using distances
Abstract: Suppose that a family of rooted phylogenetic trees Ti with different sets Xi of leaves is given. A supertree for the family would be a single rooted tree T whose leaf set is the union of all the Xi, such that the branching information in T corresponds to the branching information in all the trees Ti. This talk proposes a polynomial-time method BUILD-WITH-DISTANCES that makes essential use of distance information provided on the trees Ti to construct a rooted tree T. When a supertree containing also the distance information exists, then the method produces a supertree T. This supertree often shows increased resolution over the trees found by methods that utilize only the topology of the input trees.
ID:
74
Year: 2004
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Capstone Course In Mathematics. Components For Success.
Abstract: In the fall of 1998, the Simpson College Mathematics Department started offering a capstone course in mathematics called Senior Seminar. This talk will focus on the evolution of this course and what has taken place that has made this course the success it is today.
Year: 2004
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Capstone Course In Mathematics. Components For Success.
Abstract: In the fall of 1998, the Simpson College Mathematics Department started offering a capstone course in mathematics called Senior Seminar. This talk will focus on the evolution of this course and what has taken place that has made this course the success it is today.
ID:
73
Year: 2004
Name: Joel Haack
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): history
Title of Talk: Mechanically finding Fourier coefficients
Abstract: In the era before oscilloscopes and computers, how did acousticians analyze sound waves? One way was to use the Henrici Harmonic Analyzer. The presentation will discuss how and why it works, including video and still shots of using it recently at the University of Iowa.
Year: 2004
Name: Joel Haack
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): history
Title of Talk: Mechanically finding Fourier coefficients
Abstract: In the era before oscilloscopes and computers, how did acousticians analyze sound waves? One way was to use the Henrici Harmonic Analyzer. The presentation will discuss how and why it works, including video and still shots of using it recently at the University of Iowa.
ID:
72
Year: 2004
Name: Daniel Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of mathematics
Title of Talk: Stefan Banach During World War II
Abstract: There is virtually no mention in mathematical literature of Stefan Banach's experience during World War II. This is unfortunate because not were his experiences fairly dramatic, but they are part of a greater story of the Polish Resistance during World War II. This presentation will discuss how Banach survived the Nazi occupation despite Nazi plans to annihilate the Polish intelligentsia. It will also discuss the role of a relatively unknown "Schindleresque"factory owner, Rudolf Stefan Weigl.
Year: 2004
Name: Daniel Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of mathematics
Title of Talk: Stefan Banach During World War II
Abstract: There is virtually no mention in mathematical literature of Stefan Banach's experience during World War II. This is unfortunate because not were his experiences fairly dramatic, but they are part of a greater story of the Polish Resistance during World War II. This presentation will discuss how Banach survived the Nazi occupation despite Nazi plans to annihilate the Polish intelligentsia. It will also discuss the role of a relatively unknown "Schindleresque"factory owner, Rudolf Stefan Weigl.
ID:
71
Year: 2004
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The mathematics of navigation in aviation
Abstract: We explain the how and why of Compass errors and how to work around them. We discuss the NDB (non-directional beacon) and the geometry behind its use for navigation. We mention the Precision approach. And we present some contradictions from explaining lift by using Bernoulli's theorem.
Year: 2004
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The mathematics of navigation in aviation
Abstract: We explain the how and why of Compass errors and how to work around them. We discuss the NDB (non-directional beacon) and the geometry behind its use for navigation. We mention the Precision approach. And we present some contradictions from explaining lift by using Bernoulli's theorem.
ID:
70
Year: 2004
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Some Research-based Results on Technology and Visualization in Multivariable Calculus
Abstract: This talk will summarize some results of a multi-year study on the effects of technology use in multivariable calculus classes. The research focused especially on some differences in visualization skills between students who used computer algebra systems and others who did not.
Year: 2004
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Some Research-based Results on Technology and Visualization in Multivariable Calculus
Abstract: This talk will summarize some results of a multi-year study on the effects of technology use in multivariable calculus classes. The research focused especially on some differences in visualization skills between students who used computer algebra systems and others who did not.
ID:
69
Year: 2004
Name: Perry Keely
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Multivariable Calculus
Title of Talk: "Fill 'er Up!" -- Packing a VW Beetle with Ping-Pong Balls
Abstract: Ever wonder how people guess how many jelly beans are in a jar, or say, ping pong balls in a car? Using calculus, of course! (OK, well most of the time it
Year: 2004
Name: Perry Keely
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Multivariable Calculus
Title of Talk: "Fill 'er Up!" -- Packing a VW Beetle with Ping-Pong Balls
Abstract: Ever wonder how people guess how many jelly beans are in a jar, or say, ping pong balls in a car? Using calculus, of course! (OK, well most of the time it
ID:
68
Year: 2004
Name: Alexander Kleiner
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Analysis, History
Title of Talk: "Summing" Unbounded Sequences: Some History Preliminary Report
Abstract: The question of which, if any, unbounded sequences were summed by regular methods of summation was considerd repeatedly. This talk will show how these questions were answered (over and over).
Year: 2004
Name: Alexander Kleiner
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Analysis, History
Title of Talk: "Summing" Unbounded Sequences: Some History Preliminary Report
Abstract: The question of which, if any, unbounded sequences were summed by regular methods of summation was considerd repeatedly. This talk will show how these questions were answered (over and over).
ID:
67
Year: 2004
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Teaching and Learning (College Algebra)
Title of Talk: DOES TEACHING FUNCTIONS BASED ON TRANSFORMATION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS WORK?
Abstract: One typical pre-calculus approach introduces students to transformations of basic functions to help them develop a better understanding of functions. There is no research focusing on how or if this type of course achieves its goal. The present study addresses this issue as well as the difficulties students face when working with the concept of transformations of functions. This research attempts to explain, in terms of APOS (Action, Process, Object, Schema) theory, the difficulties that students exhibited in one particular course and to gain insights into why many students were not as successful as expected. Through the analysis of detailed interviews with 24 students, this study describes students
Year: 2004
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Teaching and Learning (College Algebra)
Title of Talk: DOES TEACHING FUNCTIONS BASED ON TRANSFORMATION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS WORK?
Abstract: One typical pre-calculus approach introduces students to transformations of basic functions to help them develop a better understanding of functions. There is no research focusing on how or if this type of course achieves its goal. The present study addresses this issue as well as the difficulties students face when working with the concept of transformations of functions. This research attempts to explain, in terms of APOS (Action, Process, Object, Schema) theory, the difficulties that students exhibited in one particular course and to gain insights into why many students were not as successful as expected. Through the analysis of detailed interviews with 24 students, this study describes students
ID:
66
Year: 2004
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Teaching and Learning (College Algebra)
Title of Talk: DOES TEACHING FUNCTIONS BASED ON TRANSFORMATION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS WORK?
Abstract: One typical pre-calculus approach introduces students to transformations of basic functions to help them develop a better understanding of functions. There is no research focusing on how or if this type of course achieves its goal. The present study addresses this issue as well as the difficulties students face when working with the concept of transformations of functions. This research attempts to explain, in terms of APOS (Action, Process, Object, Schema) theory, the difficulties that students exhibited in one particular course and to gain insights into why many students were not as successful as expected. Through the analysis of detailed interviews with 24 students, this study describes students
Year: 2004
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Teaching and Learning (College Algebra)
Title of Talk: DOES TEACHING FUNCTIONS BASED ON TRANSFORMATION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS WORK?
Abstract: One typical pre-calculus approach introduces students to transformations of basic functions to help them develop a better understanding of functions. There is no research focusing on how or if this type of course achieves its goal. The present study addresses this issue as well as the difficulties students face when working with the concept of transformations of functions. This research attempts to explain, in terms of APOS (Action, Process, Object, Schema) theory, the difficulties that students exhibited in one particular course and to gain insights into why many students were not as successful as expected. Through the analysis of detailed interviews with 24 students, this study describes students
ID:
65
Year: 2004
Name: Tauqir Bibi
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Experiences of Tauqir Bibi in Teaching Calculus Courses
Abstract: I have taught calculus courses for many years. Most of the students in these courses are engineering majors. Many of these students appreciate seeing applications to their majors. I will present examples of some problems and projects that introduce students to applications of Calculus in their majors.
Year: 2004
Name: Tauqir Bibi
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Experiences of Tauqir Bibi in Teaching Calculus Courses
Abstract: I have taught calculus courses for many years. Most of the students in these courses are engineering majors. Many of these students appreciate seeing applications to their majors. I will present examples of some problems and projects that introduce students to applications of Calculus in their majors.
ID:
64
Year: 2004
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number theory, exponential sums
Title of Talk: Uniform distribution and invertible matrices
Abstract: Uniform distribution is usually known as a property of sequences xn in the unit interval, like n alpha modulo 1, where alpha is irrational. We will present an example of uniform distribution in the unit square, explain the handy Weyl criterion used to prove uniform distribution, and conclude with an application to invertible 2x2 - matrices over the integers.
Year: 2004
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number theory, exponential sums
Title of Talk: Uniform distribution and invertible matrices
Abstract: Uniform distribution is usually known as a property of sequences xn in the unit interval, like n alpha modulo 1, where alpha is irrational. We will present an example of uniform distribution in the unit square, explain the handy Weyl criterion used to prove uniform distribution, and conclude with an application to invertible 2x2 - matrices over the integers.
ID:
63
Year: 2004
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Education
Title of Talk: Making the Most of Blackboard/WebCT/Etc. in Mathematics
Abstract: With the proliferation of Course Management Systems on campuses across the country, I often ask myself several questions: How can this make my life easier? Won
Year: 2004
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Education
Title of Talk: Making the Most of Blackboard/WebCT/Etc. in Mathematics
Abstract: With the proliferation of Course Management Systems on campuses across the country, I often ask myself several questions: How can this make my life easier? Won
ID:
58
Year: 2004
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Unbounded Orbits and Binary Digits
Abstract: We consider iterating the map f(x)=x - 1/x, starting at x=2. Ron Graham asked whether the orbit is bounded. This problem intersects number theory (rationals, the normality of numbers) and dynamics (dynamcis on an interval, chaos). You will find out why this is such a hard problem! The talk will be accessible to a general audience.
Year: 2004
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Unbounded Orbits and Binary Digits
Abstract: We consider iterating the map f(x)=x - 1/x, starting at x=2. Ron Graham asked whether the orbit is bounded. This problem intersects number theory (rationals, the normality of numbers) and dynamics (dynamcis on an interval, chaos). You will find out why this is such a hard problem! The talk will be accessible to a general audience.
ID:
57
Year: 2004
Name: Stephen Bean
Institution: Cornell College
Subject area(s): Math Education, Geometry
Title of Talk: Discovery Learning and Teacher Preparation in College Geometry Courses
Abstract: Many
Year: 2004
Name: Stephen Bean
Institution: Cornell College
Subject area(s): Math Education, Geometry
Title of Talk: Discovery Learning and Teacher Preparation in College Geometry Courses
Abstract: Many
ID:
56
Year: 2004
Name: Andrea Brennen
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): Chaos Theory
Title of Talk: Chaos in Action: Discovering a Basin of Attraction
Abstract: This project is an analysis of the dynamics of a particular subset of 3-D discrete nilpotent maps represented by the general system of equations: x=y; y=x^2-y^2. The analysis focuses on defining the Basin of Attraction and locating invariant manifolds for maps of this type using Liapunov Equations, Functional Equations, and computer imaging/modeling.
Year: 2004
Name: Andrea Brennen
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): Chaos Theory
Title of Talk: Chaos in Action: Discovering a Basin of Attraction
Abstract: This project is an analysis of the dynamics of a particular subset of 3-D discrete nilpotent maps represented by the general system of equations: x=y; y=x^2-y^2. The analysis focuses on defining the Basin of Attraction and locating invariant manifolds for maps of this type using Liapunov Equations, Functional Equations, and computer imaging/modeling.
ID:
55
Year: 2004
Name: Luz DeAlba
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Geometry, Calculus
Title of Talk: An overview of Geometer's Sketchpad with applications to Calculus
Abstract: We present a quick overview of the basics of software packege Geometer's Sketchpad. Then move on to how one can use the software in the classroom. We showcase applications from several areas of mathematics including applications to Calculus.
Year: 2004
Name: Luz DeAlba
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Geometry, Calculus
Title of Talk: An overview of Geometer's Sketchpad with applications to Calculus
Abstract: We present a quick overview of the basics of software packege Geometer's Sketchpad. Then move on to how one can use the software in the classroom. We showcase applications from several areas of mathematics including applications to Calculus.
ID:
54
Year: 2004
Name: David Gisch
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): history, Geometry
Title of Talk: Apollonius
Abstract: In Tangencies, Apollonius of Perga shows how to construct a circle that is tangent to three given circles. More generally, Apollonius' problem asks to construct the circle which is tangent to any three objects, which may be any combination of points, lines, and circles. The case when all three objects are circles is the most complicated case since up to eight solution circles are possible depending on the arrangement of the given circles. Within the last two centuries solutions have been given by J. D. Gergonne in 1816, Frederick Soddy in 1936, and most recently David Eppstein in 2001. We illustrate the solutions using the geometry software Cinderella
Year: 2004
Name: David Gisch
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s): history, Geometry
Title of Talk: Apollonius
Abstract: In Tangencies, Apollonius of Perga shows how to construct a circle that is tangent to three given circles. More generally, Apollonius' problem asks to construct the circle which is tangent to any three objects, which may be any combination of points, lines, and circles. The case when all three objects are circles is the most complicated case since up to eight solution circles are possible depending on the arrangement of the given circles. Within the last two centuries solutions have been given by J. D. Gergonne in 1816, Frederick Soddy in 1936, and most recently David Eppstein in 2001. We illustrate the solutions using the geometry software Cinderella