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 421-440 of 471 results.
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ID:
376
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Price
Institution: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Arrowgrams: Tips and Pointers
Abstract: An arrowgram is a type of puzzle based on the transitive relation, directed graphs, and groups. To solve the puzzle a group element is assigned to each arrow of a directed graph. This is called a grading and the group element assigned to an arrow is called its grade. Grades for some arrows are given. The rest of the arrows are assigned grades using a rule which is based on transitivity. Arrowgrams also contain secret messages. The words are formed by pairs of letters which stand for the arrows. The puzzle is solved when every arrow is graded and the secret message is revealed. We answer some mathematical questions related to constructing and solving arrowgrams. How many arrows have to be given grades? Which arrows can be used? Can the same set of arrows be used for different groups?
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Price
Institution: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Arrowgrams: Tips and Pointers
Abstract: An arrowgram is a type of puzzle based on the transitive relation, directed graphs, and groups. To solve the puzzle a group element is assigned to each arrow of a directed graph. This is called a grading and the group element assigned to an arrow is called its grade. Grades for some arrows are given. The rest of the arrows are assigned grades using a rule which is based on transitivity. Arrowgrams also contain secret messages. The words are formed by pairs of letters which stand for the arrows. The puzzle is solved when every arrow is graded and the secret message is revealed. We answer some mathematical questions related to constructing and solving arrowgrams. How many arrows have to be given grades? Which arrows can be used? Can the same set of arrows be used for different groups?
ID:
567
Year: 2021
Name: Billy Jackson
Institution: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Using Task Based Learning in Undergraduate Math Classes
Abstract: Task-based learning (TBL) has been used in K-12 education for quite some time. Although it is common in courses for elementary teachers, it is not regularly seen in other undergraduate courses. In this talk, I will present a working definition of TBL and provide examples of tasks in various introductory undergraduate math classes from College Algebra through Calculus. I will share examples of student comments and situations from my own courses that demonstrate just how powerful a tool TBL can be for instructors.
Year: 2021
Name: Billy Jackson
Institution: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Using Task Based Learning in Undergraduate Math Classes
Abstract: Task-based learning (TBL) has been used in K-12 education for quite some time. Although it is common in courses for elementary teachers, it is not regularly seen in other undergraduate courses. In this talk, I will present a working definition of TBL and provide examples of tasks in various introductory undergraduate math classes from College Algebra through Calculus. I will share examples of student comments and situations from my own courses that demonstrate just how powerful a tool TBL can be for instructors.
ID:
379
Year: 2014
Name: Benjamin V.C. Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Mathemagic: A Centennial Tribute to Martin Gardner
Abstract: Marting Gardner (1914-2010) was a mathematician and writer who inspired generations of mathematicians through his ``Mathematical Games'' column in Scientific American and other written work. He was also an accomplished magician, and many of his tricks have interesting mathematical underpinnings. In this talk, ``Quinntinnius Maximus'' (otherwise known as Quinn Collins, an eighth grader at Platteville Middle School) will present several of these feats of Mathemagic. If you are lucky, his assistant ``Sabino'' (otherwise known as Ben Collins, a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville) will explain some of the mathematics underlying them.
Year: 2014
Name: Benjamin V.C. Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Mathemagic: A Centennial Tribute to Martin Gardner
Abstract: Marting Gardner (1914-2010) was a mathematician and writer who inspired generations of mathematicians through his ``Mathematical Games'' column in Scientific American and other written work. He was also an accomplished magician, and many of his tricks have interesting mathematical underpinnings. In this talk, ``Quinntinnius Maximus'' (otherwise known as Quinn Collins, an eighth grader at Platteville Middle School) will present several of these feats of Mathemagic. If you are lucky, his assistant ``Sabino'' (otherwise known as Ben Collins, a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville) will explain some of the mathematics underlying them.
ID:
383
Year: 2014
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): General
Title of Talk: A "Weird" Limit Representation of Pi
Abstract: It is well known that $e=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}{\left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right) }^n$ by mathematicians. Does the irrational number pi have such an unexpected limit representation like e, which can be proved by using only undergraduate mathematical skills? In this talk we will use geometry, trigonometry, mathematical induction, and the concept of limits to prove the existence of such a limit.
Year: 2014
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): General
Title of Talk: A "Weird" Limit Representation of Pi
Abstract: It is well known that $e=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}{\left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right) }^n$ by mathematicians. Does the irrational number pi have such an unexpected limit representation like e, which can be proved by using only undergraduate mathematical skills? In this talk we will use geometry, trigonometry, mathematical induction, and the concept of limits to prove the existence of such a limit.
ID:
469
Year: 2017
Name: Benjamin Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Flipping the Precalculus Classroom
Abstract: The flipped classroom is becoming a popular course structure in many academic disciplines, but particularly in STEM disciplines, including mathematics. Considerable research has addressed potential advantages and challenges of teaching a flipped course, as well as examining students' attitudes towards the flipped classroom. Studies on students' academic performance in a flipped classroom remain relatively scarce, and have shown mixed results. This talk reports on a study using a flipped classroom design in a 5-credit precalculus course at a regional 4-year university. I evaluated the students' performance on the final compared to a similarly sized random sample of students from non-flipped sections of the same course, and also tracked students success in first-semester calculus.
Year: 2017
Name: Benjamin Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Flipping the Precalculus Classroom
Abstract: The flipped classroom is becoming a popular course structure in many academic disciplines, but particularly in STEM disciplines, including mathematics. Considerable research has addressed potential advantages and challenges of teaching a flipped course, as well as examining students' attitudes towards the flipped classroom. Studies on students' academic performance in a flipped classroom remain relatively scarce, and have shown mixed results. This talk reports on a study using a flipped classroom design in a 5-credit precalculus course at a regional 4-year university. I evaluated the students' performance on the final compared to a similarly sized random sample of students from non-flipped sections of the same course, and also tracked students success in first-semester calculus.
ID:
470
Year: 2017
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Area of Rational Right Triangles
Abstract: A right triangle is called rational when all of its three sides are all rational numbers. Any rational right triangle has a rational area, but not all positive rational numbers can be the area of a rational right triangle. For example, the area of a right triangle with sides 3-4-5 is 6. Is it possible that there exists a rational right triangle with area 5? More information related to this problem will be given in this talk.
Year: 2017
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Area of Rational Right Triangles
Abstract: A right triangle is called rational when all of its three sides are all rational numbers. Any rational right triangle has a rational area, but not all positive rational numbers can be the area of a rational right triangle. For example, the area of a right triangle with sides 3-4-5 is 6. Is it possible that there exists a rational right triangle with area 5? More information related to this problem will be given in this talk.
ID:
397
Year: 2014
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Upper Iowa University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Teaching Managers to Think Of All Factors When Making Decisions
Abstract: Abstract: Major management decisions are often made without the proper analysis of all the details and consequences of the actions. The current wave known as 'reshoring' is where companies that transferred production facilities to other countries are now returning that production to the United States. This is a consequence of rising costs of labor and materials in other countries coupled with additional factors such as lax IP laws. Proper training of managers includes cost projections that incorporate all factors and two major projects in a management science class at Upper Iowa University where these aspects are included will be presented.
Year: 2014
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Upper Iowa University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Teaching Managers to Think Of All Factors When Making Decisions
Abstract: Abstract: Major management decisions are often made without the proper analysis of all the details and consequences of the actions. The current wave known as 'reshoring' is where companies that transferred production facilities to other countries are now returning that production to the United States. This is a consequence of rising costs of labor and materials in other countries coupled with additional factors such as lax IP laws. Proper training of managers includes cost projections that incorporate all factors and two major projects in a management science class at Upper Iowa University where these aspects are included will be presented.
ID:
105
Year: 2005
Name: Nancy Hagelgans
Institution: Ursinus College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Planar Linkages: Robot Arms, Carpenters' Rulers, and Other Devices
Abstract: A planar linkage is constructed in the plane from rigid links or rods that are connected with movable joints. Robot arms and carpenters' rulers are examples of planar linkages in which the links are connected to form a chain. We will examine the reachability region of robot arms, which are chains with one end fixed. Then we will go on to solve the minimal folding problem of carpenters' rulers with links of different lengths. Finally we will address some planar linkages that can be used to convert one type of motion to another type of motion.
Year: 2005
Name: Nancy Hagelgans
Institution: Ursinus College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Planar Linkages: Robot Arms, Carpenters' Rulers, and Other Devices
Abstract: A planar linkage is constructed in the plane from rigid links or rods that are connected with movable joints. Robot arms and carpenters' rulers are examples of planar linkages in which the links are connected to form a chain. We will examine the reachability region of robot arms, which are chains with one end fixed. Then we will go on to solve the minimal folding problem of carpenters' rulers with links of different lengths. Finally we will address some planar linkages that can be used to convert one type of motion to another type of motion.
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:
277
Year: 2010
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s): Math Education
Title of Talk: A Survey of Technology Use and District Spending in North Iowa Schools
Abstract: Also presenting: Dr. Jeffrey Biessman. Conventional wisdom holds that technology use in public schools is commonplace and therefore college freshman have wide exposure to and experience with technology. Anecdotal suggest this may not be true. This survey was designed to reveal the extent of technology use in North Iowa school districts. The survey indicates that larger schools are less likely to budget money for technology on a per pupil basis than smaller districts.
Year: 2010
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s): Math Education
Title of Talk: A Survey of Technology Use and District Spending in North Iowa Schools
Abstract: Also presenting: Dr. Jeffrey Biessman. Conventional wisdom holds that technology use in public schools is commonplace and therefore college freshman have wide exposure to and experience with technology. Anecdotal suggest this may not be true. This survey was designed to reveal the extent of technology use in North Iowa school districts. The survey indicates that larger schools are less likely to budget money for technology on a per pupil basis than smaller districts.
ID:
106
Year: 2005
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s): Data Compression
Title of Talk: The Efficiency of Morse Code as Data Compression.
Abstract: Morse code was invented to allow the efficient transmission of textual data in a digital mode. This talk examines the efficiency in comparison with more modern methods of textual data transmission.
Year: 2005
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s): Data Compression
Title of Talk: The Efficiency of Morse Code as Data Compression.
Abstract: Morse code was invented to allow the efficient transmission of textual data in a digital mode. This talk examines the efficiency in comparison with more modern methods of textual data transmission.
ID:
216
Year: 2007
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Possible Use of Wavelets in Digital Audio Upsampling
Abstract: The challenge of high fidelity digital to analog conversion of digital audio information is quite challenging. This paper will the possible use of wvaelets to increase the fidelity of the recovered analog signal.
Year: 2007
Name: Scott Searcy
Institution: Waldorf College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Possible Use of Wavelets in Digital Audio Upsampling
Abstract: The challenge of high fidelity digital to analog conversion of digital audio information is quite challenging. This paper will the possible use of wvaelets to increase the fidelity of the recovered analog signal.
ID:
265
Year: 2009
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Mathematics Courses for Prospective Secondary Teachers at Small Colleges
Abstract: At the recent IMSEP Summit for math and science educators in August, it was discussed that faculty should have more opportunities to share with each other what is going on in their classrooms. To in part meet that need, this is a working group session in which participants will discuss a variety of issues around the mathematics courses offered for prospective secondary mathematics teachers at small colleges . Topics may include curriculum, instruction, technology, best practices, challenges, and dilemmas.
Year: 2009
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Mathematics Courses for Prospective Secondary Teachers at Small Colleges
Abstract: At the recent IMSEP Summit for math and science educators in August, it was discussed that faculty should have more opportunities to share with each other what is going on in their classrooms. To in part meet that need, this is a working group session in which participants will discuss a variety of issues around the mathematics courses offered for prospective secondary mathematics teachers at small colleges . Topics may include curriculum, instruction, technology, best practices, challenges, and dilemmas.
ID:
524
Year: 2018
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The new MAA Congress, what do you want them to know? (Continued)
Abstract: The (relatively) new MAA Congress is situated to be a strong form of communication with the national MAA elected officers and the Iowa Section members. As your representative, what so you want to know about the new body? the MAA? What do you want the MAA to hear from the section? This is your opportunity to hear and be heard.
Year: 2018
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The new MAA Congress, what do you want them to know? (Continued)
Abstract: The (relatively) new MAA Congress is situated to be a strong form of communication with the national MAA elected officers and the Iowa Section members. As your representative, what so you want to know about the new body? the MAA? What do you want the MAA to hear from the section? This is your opportunity to hear and be heard.
ID:
530
Year: 2019
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Mathematics Research for the Masses
Abstract: At Wartburg College, like many liberal arts colleges, all math majors are required to complete a capstone course with a research component. However, research means different things at different places and not all students are advanced enough for rigorous independent research. How can one provide a mathematical research experience to an entire class that challenges the best students without leaving behind the weaker students? I will present my solution to this question and promise to leave enough time at the end for other people to share their suggestions.
Year: 2019
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Mathematics Research for the Masses
Abstract: At Wartburg College, like many liberal arts colleges, all math majors are required to complete a capstone course with a research component. However, research means different things at different places and not all students are advanced enough for rigorous independent research. How can one provide a mathematical research experience to an entire class that challenges the best students without leaving behind the weaker students? I will present my solution to this question and promise to leave enough time at the end for other people to share their suggestions.
ID:
536
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Caucus Mathematics
Abstract: Welcome to Iowa. One of the best sources for cool, applied math problems comes from the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. Of course, every four years the Democratic Party fiddles with the rules. I will talk about ranked elections, viability, and apportionment. The last portion of the talk will discuss some of this year’s rule changes and how they affect the calculations.
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Caucus Mathematics
Abstract: Welcome to Iowa. One of the best sources for cool, applied math problems comes from the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. Of course, every four years the Democratic Party fiddles with the rules. I will talk about ranked elections, viability, and apportionment. The last portion of the talk will discuss some of this year’s rule changes and how they affect the calculations.
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:
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:
563
Year: 2021
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Data Science
Title of Talk: Data Science and The Pandemic
Abstract: This talk could be titled "What I did on my COVID-19 Sabbatical." I will discuss data collection and cleaning, the use of R for data analysis, where we are as a state, and where we are going. I will also give advice to people newly interested in Data Science and take advice from the people in the audience who have been doing this a lot longer than I have.
Year: 2021
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Data Science
Title of Talk: Data Science and The Pandemic
Abstract: This talk could be titled "What I did on my COVID-19 Sabbatical." I will discuss data collection and cleaning, the use of R for data analysis, where we are as a state, and where we are going. I will also give advice to people newly interested in Data Science and take advice from the people in the audience who have been doing this a lot longer than I have.
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