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 41-60 of 471 results.
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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:
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:
269
Year: 2009
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching & Learning of Mathematics
Title of Talk: Essay Questions on Calculus Exams?
Abstract: How should a Calculus class be different at a liberal arts college? I present one aspect of my own answer to this question, namely that assessing students
Year: 2009
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching & Learning of Mathematics
Title of Talk: Essay Questions on Calculus Exams?
Abstract: How should a Calculus class be different at a liberal arts college? I present one aspect of my own answer to this question, namely that assessing students
ID:
267
Year: 2009
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Toilet Paper to Help Students Make Generalizations
Abstract: When students are given a specific problem to solve, they do not naturally create a general solution method that could be applied in other situations. In this presentation, I will discuss a project that I use to help students learn the value of generalization and give them an introduction to sensitivity testing. The project starts by having students find the number of sheets of paper on a specific sealed roll of toilet paper, but they must take that method and produce a formula that could find the number of sheets of paper on a general roll of perforated paper. They then test the various models created by the class for sensitivity to measurement error to find the
Year: 2009
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Toilet Paper to Help Students Make Generalizations
Abstract: When students are given a specific problem to solve, they do not naturally create a general solution method that could be applied in other situations. In this presentation, I will discuss a project that I use to help students learn the value of generalization and give them an introduction to sensitivity testing. The project starts by having students find the number of sheets of paper on a specific sealed roll of toilet paper, but they must take that method and produce a formula that could find the number of sheets of paper on a general roll of perforated paper. They then test the various models created by the class for sensitivity to measurement error to find the
ID:
374
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
ID:
145
Year: 2006
Name: Michael Larsen
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Statistics, Teaching Statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Mathematical Probability and Statistics with Internet Applications and R
Abstract: Courses in mathematical statistics can use Internet applications and simulation using the R statistical package to enhance the learning experience. Internet material has been developed for introductory probability and statistics courses and for teaching mathematics at the level of calculus. In order to adapt this material to an intermediate undergraduate probability course, it is necessary to select material to use and incorporate it into lecture, homework assignments, and study problems. The R statistical package is a free software package that can be used for simulation, includes functions related to many probability distributions, and can be used to produce nice graphical displays. Using R in a calculus-based probability course requires writing problems for homework assignments, in-class use, and review that make substantial use of simulation and R
Year: 2006
Name: Michael Larsen
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Statistics, Teaching Statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Mathematical Probability and Statistics with Internet Applications and R
Abstract: Courses in mathematical statistics can use Internet applications and simulation using the R statistical package to enhance the learning experience. Internet material has been developed for introductory probability and statistics courses and for teaching mathematics at the level of calculus. In order to adapt this material to an intermediate undergraduate probability course, it is necessary to select material to use and incorporate it into lecture, homework assignments, and study problems. The R statistical package is a free software package that can be used for simulation, includes functions related to many probability distributions, and can be used to produce nice graphical displays. Using R in a calculus-based probability course requires writing problems for homework assignments, in-class use, and review that make substantial use of simulation and R
ID:
221
Year: 2008
Name: Michael Smith
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Statistics, Education
Title of Talk: Class Research Projects in Elementary Statistics
Abstract: This talk presents the results of a class data collection project completed in an elementary statistics class, as well as a philosophical discussion of what students can gain from collecting data in a statistics class.
Year: 2008
Name: Michael Smith
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Statistics, Education
Title of Talk: Class Research Projects in Elementary Statistics
Abstract: This talk presents the results of a class data collection project completed in an elementary statistics class, as well as a philosophical discussion of what students can gain from collecting data in a statistics class.
ID:
95
Year: 2004
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Statistics
Title of Talk: Introduction to the statistical software Fathom
Abstract: This talk wiill give a brief introduction to how and why to use the Fathom software. If you are familiar with Geometer's Sketchpad, this produced by the same company and is similar in its ease of use
Year: 2004
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): Statistics
Title of Talk: Introduction to the statistical software Fathom
Abstract: This talk wiill give a brief introduction to how and why to use the Fathom software. If you are familiar with Geometer's Sketchpad, this produced by the same company and is similar in its ease of use
ID:
423
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
ID:
444
Year: 2016
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): sports analytics
Title of Talk: Goals in Context: an Analysis of Iowa Conference Women's Goal Scorers
Abstract: In soccer, a simple tabulation of goals scored does not tell the story of the value of the goals a player has scored. This presentation will offer the results of an analysis of goal-scoring in women's Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) soccer. The analysis attempts to quantify the context and value of goals scored, to determine a method to produce a more value-oriented goal-scoring leaderboard. Full disclosure: the presenter is an assistant coach for one of the teams in the IIAC.
Year: 2016
Name: Russell Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): sports analytics
Title of Talk: Goals in Context: an Analysis of Iowa Conference Women's Goal Scorers
Abstract: In soccer, a simple tabulation of goals scored does not tell the story of the value of the goals a player has scored. This presentation will offer the results of an analysis of goal-scoring in women's Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) soccer. The analysis attempts to quantify the context and value of goals scored, to determine a method to produce a more value-oriented goal-scoring leaderboard. Full disclosure: the presenter is an assistant coach for one of the teams in the IIAC.
ID:
125
Year: 2005
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): special functions
Title of Talk: A Multiple Integral of a Piecewise Algebraic Function.
Abstract: Fix r>0. Let (x_0, y_0) and (x_n, y_n) be fixed and a distance r apart. Consider the set of all points ( x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2,..., x_{n-1}, y_{n-1} ) in Euclidean (2n-2)-space for which the distance in the plane between (x_{j-1}, y_{j-1}) and (x_j, y_j) never exceeds one (j=1,...,n). The hyper-volume of this set of points in (2n-2)-space can clearly be expressed as a multiple integral, integrating over 2n-2 dimensions, a function that is 1 on the set, but 0 off of the set. Surprisingly, it can also be expressed as a multiple integral over n-1 dimensions, of a piece-wise algebraic function.
Year: 2005
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): special functions
Title of Talk: A Multiple Integral of a Piecewise Algebraic Function.
Abstract: Fix r>0. Let (x_0, y_0) and (x_n, y_n) be fixed and a distance r apart. Consider the set of all points ( x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2,..., x_{n-1}, y_{n-1} ) in Euclidean (2n-2)-space for which the distance in the plane between (x_{j-1}, y_{j-1}) and (x_j, y_j) never exceeds one (j=1,...,n). The hyper-volume of this set of points in (2n-2)-space can clearly be expressed as a multiple integral, integrating over 2n-2 dimensions, a function that is 1 on the set, but 0 off of the set. Surprisingly, it can also be expressed as a multiple integral over n-1 dimensions, of a piece-wise algebraic function.
ID:
190
Year: 2007
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): sequences, number theory, dynamics, fractals
Title of Talk: The Mean-Median Map
Abstract: Starting with a non-empty finite set S_n={x_1,\ldots,x_n} contained in R, generate the unique number x_{n+1} which satisfies the mean-median equation (x_1 + \cdots + x_n + x_{n+1}/(n+1) = median(S_n) . As usual, we define the median of the set S_n = {x_1,\ldots,x_n}, where x_1<= ... <= x_n, as median (S_n) = \left\{ x_{(n+1)/2}, n odd , \frac{x_{n/2} + x_{n/2+1}}{2}, n even . By applying the mean-median equation repeatedly to a set one generates an infinite sequence {x_k}_{k=1}^\infty. The dynamics of this map are surprising! Most maps tend to have either relatively simple dynamics or chaotic dynamics. While the mean-median map seems to be asymptotically constant, it seems very hard to predict. This talk will showcase the work done to date. This is joint work with Mario Martelli (Claremont McKenna College).
Year: 2007
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): sequences, number theory, dynamics, fractals
Title of Talk: The Mean-Median Map
Abstract: Starting with a non-empty finite set S_n={x_1,\ldots,x_n} contained in R, generate the unique number x_{n+1} which satisfies the mean-median equation (x_1 + \cdots + x_n + x_{n+1}/(n+1) = median(S_n) . As usual, we define the median of the set S_n = {x_1,\ldots,x_n}, where x_1<= ... <= x_n, as median (S_n) = \left\{ x_{(n+1)/2}, n odd , \frac{x_{n/2} + x_{n/2+1}}{2}, n even . By applying the mean-median equation repeatedly to a set one generates an infinite sequence {x_k}_{k=1}^\infty. The dynamics of this map are surprising! Most maps tend to have either relatively simple dynamics or chaotic dynamics. While the mean-median map seems to be asymptotically constant, it seems very hard to predict. This talk will showcase the work done to date. This is joint work with Mario Martelli (Claremont McKenna College).
ID:
134
Year: 2005
Name: Calvin Van Niewaal
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): roundtable
Title of Talk: MAA Strategic Planning
Abstract: One of the issues that has been targeted for the first round of the MAA
Year: 2005
Name: Calvin Van Niewaal
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): roundtable
Title of Talk: MAA Strategic Planning
Abstract: One of the issues that has been targeted for the first round of the MAA
ID:
526
Year: 2019
Name: O'Neill Kingston
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Representation theory
Title of Talk: Jeux de taquin
Abstract: Or, in English, the 15 puzzle(s). From integer partitions to algebraic structures, in this talk we explore a classic combinatorial technique and a few of its applications.
Year: 2019
Name: O'Neill Kingston
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Representation theory
Title of Talk: Jeux de taquin
Abstract: Or, in English, the 15 puzzle(s). From integer partitions to algebraic structures, in this talk we explore a classic combinatorial technique and a few of its applications.
ID:
436
Year: 2016
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics, number theory
Title of Talk: Why Are the Morphic Numbers Similar in the End?
Abstract: Charles W. Trigg was the most prolific contributor to "Journal of Recreational Mathematics" during the 38 volumes of publication. One series of his papers deals with the “…morphic” numbers. These are figurate numbers that terminate with their index. For example, trimorphic numbers are triangular numbers that terminate with their index. Some examples are T(25) = 325 and T(625) = 195625 and T(9376) = 43959376. When searching for more of the morphic numbers, it was discovered that there is a curious similarity to the terminal ends. The purpose of this paper is to state that similarity and offer it as a research project.
Year: 2016
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics, number theory
Title of Talk: Why Are the Morphic Numbers Similar in the End?
Abstract: Charles W. Trigg was the most prolific contributor to "Journal of Recreational Mathematics" during the 38 volumes of publication. One series of his papers deals with the “…morphic” numbers. These are figurate numbers that terminate with their index. For example, trimorphic numbers are triangular numbers that terminate with their index. Some examples are T(25) = 325 and T(625) = 195625 and T(9376) = 43959376. When searching for more of the morphic numbers, it was discovered that there is a curious similarity to the terminal ends. The purpose of this paper is to state that similarity and offer it as a research project.
ID:
166
Year: 2006
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics / Group Theory
Title of Talk: Subgroups of the Rubik's Group
Abstract: The set of possible arrangements of the Rubik's Cube forms a group with 4*10^19 elements. We will locate some well known groups which occur as subgroups of the Rubik's group and begin to understand the source of some of the complexities in understanding the Rubik's group.
Year: 2006
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics / Group Theory
Title of Talk: Subgroups of the Rubik's Group
Abstract: The set of possible arrangements of the Rubik's Cube forms a group with 4*10^19 elements. We will locate some well known groups which occur as subgroups of the Rubik's group and begin to understand the source of some of the complexities in understanding the Rubik's group.
ID:
537
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Sioux Center Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival
Abstract: Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire K - 12 students to think critically and to explore the richness and beauty of mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving. Our Festivals engage many types of students, including those who don’t enjoy competition or working under time pressure. A Festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations as their constituents celebrate mathematics.
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Sioux Center Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival
Abstract: Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire K - 12 students to think critically and to explore the richness and beauty of mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving. Our Festivals engage many types of students, including those who don’t enjoy competition or working under time pressure. A Festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations as their constituents celebrate mathematics.
ID:
290
Year: 2010
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Retrolife Generation of the Twelve Pentominoes
Abstract: The "Game of Life" invented by J. H. Conway has fascinated people for decades and was the impetus for the field of artificial life. Retrolife is determining if a specific pattern can be created from another with one iteration of the rules of life. This presentation will answer the question whether each of the twelve pentominoes can be generated via an iteration of the rules and poses new questions.
Year: 2010
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Retrolife Generation of the Twelve Pentominoes
Abstract: The "Game of Life" invented by J. H. Conway has fascinated people for decades and was the impetus for the field of artificial life. Retrolife is determining if a specific pattern can be created from another with one iteration of the rules of life. This presentation will answer the question whether each of the twelve pentominoes can be generated via an iteration of the rules and poses new questions.
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:
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.