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 101-120 of 471 results.
Sort by:
ID:
422
Year: 2015
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Researching in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Abstract: This summer I attended an MAA minicourse focused on beginning to research in the area of scholarship of teaching and learning and would like to disseminate some of this basic information to our section. Several of the Iowa section schools use Boyer's model of scholarship, which includes SoTL, to evaluate scholarship for tenure and promotion. In this talk, I will give a brief overview of how SoTL research is structured and point to many references for faculty looking to begin research in this area.
Year: 2015
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Researching in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Abstract: This summer I attended an MAA minicourse focused on beginning to research in the area of scholarship of teaching and learning and would like to disseminate some of this basic information to our section. Several of the Iowa section schools use Boyer's model of scholarship, which includes SoTL, to evaluate scholarship for tenure and promotion. In this talk, I will give a brief overview of how SoTL research is structured and point to many references for faculty looking to begin research in this area.
ID:
426
Year: 2015
Name: Kristopher Lee
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MATH 106X: A New Course at Iowa State
Abstract: Last year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State approved the creation of an inquiry-based mathematics course for the liberal arts. The course has begun this semester, and I will discuss my experience as the faithful guide to the intrepid explorers who so bravely signed up for this journey to discover mathematics.
Year: 2015
Name: Kristopher Lee
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MATH 106X: A New Course at Iowa State
Abstract: Last year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State approved the creation of an inquiry-based mathematics course for the liberal arts. The course has begun this semester, and I will discuss my experience as the faithful guide to the intrepid explorers who so bravely signed up for this journey to discover mathematics.
ID:
431
Year: 2015
Name: Francis Su
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Voting in Agreeable Societies
Abstract: When does a majority exist in a voting situation? How does the geometry of the political spectrum influence the outcome? What does mathematics have to say about how people behave? When mathematical objects have a social interpretation, the associated results have social applications. We will show how math can be used to model people's preferences and understand voting in "agreeable" societies. This talk also features research with undergraduates.
Year: 2015
Name: Francis Su
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Voting in Agreeable Societies
Abstract: When does a majority exist in a voting situation? How does the geometry of the political spectrum influence the outcome? What does mathematics have to say about how people behave? When mathematical objects have a social interpretation, the associated results have social applications. We will show how math can be used to model people's preferences and understand voting in "agreeable" societies. This talk also features research with undergraduates.
ID:
432
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
ID:
433
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
ID:
434
Year: 2015
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Rashomon sculptures - reconstructing 3D shapes from inexact measurements
Abstract: The art installation 'Rashomon' was displayed on the Iowa State University campus during summer 2015. It consists of 15 identical, abstract sculptures. Artist Chuck Ginnever posed the challenge whether it is possible to display the sculptures so that no two of them are in the same position (modulo translation/rotation). We investigated the related question of reconstructing such a sculpture from (ordinary tape-measure) inexact measurements. Mathematics involved are the Cayley-Menger determinant, and the gradient method / Steepest Descent. We'll explain the mathematics with some simple examples and then show the results of our reconstruction. We will only assume elementary linear algebra (matrix - vector multiplication, determinants).
Year: 2015
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Rashomon sculptures - reconstructing 3D shapes from inexact measurements
Abstract: The art installation 'Rashomon' was displayed on the Iowa State University campus during summer 2015. It consists of 15 identical, abstract sculptures. Artist Chuck Ginnever posed the challenge whether it is possible to display the sculptures so that no two of them are in the same position (modulo translation/rotation). We investigated the related question of reconstructing such a sculpture from (ordinary tape-measure) inexact measurements. Mathematics involved are the Cayley-Menger determinant, and the gradient method / Steepest Descent. We'll explain the mathematics with some simple examples and then show the results of our reconstruction. We will only assume elementary linear algebra (matrix - vector multiplication, determinants).
ID:
181
Year: 2007
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Computer Explorations of Prime Conjectures Made by Marnell
Abstract: In 1742, Goldbach made a conjecture that every even integer greater than 2 is expressible as the sum of two primes. While extensive computer searches have failed to find a counterexample, the general conjecture remains open, although nearly everyone believes that it is true. In a recent submission to Journal of Recreational Mathematics, Geoffrey Marnell made ten additional conjectures regarding what can be expressed using prime numbers. This paper gives the results of computer explorations carried out to test the conjectures.
Year: 2007
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Computer Explorations of Prime Conjectures Made by Marnell
Abstract: In 1742, Goldbach made a conjecture that every even integer greater than 2 is expressible as the sum of two primes. While extensive computer searches have failed to find a counterexample, the general conjecture remains open, although nearly everyone believes that it is true. In a recent submission to Journal of Recreational Mathematics, Geoffrey Marnell made ten additional conjectures regarding what can be expressed using prime numbers. This paper gives the results of computer explorations carried out to test the conjectures.
ID:
187
Year: 2007
Name: Thomas Britton
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Dots and Lines
Abstract:
Year: 2007
Name: Thomas Britton
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Dots and Lines
Abstract:
ID:
191
Year: 2007
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: What I did on my sabbatical: Experiencing the "real world"
Abstract: In an effort to gain some "real world" experience with mathematics and statistics during my sabbatical this year, I have been working at a local windows manufacturer doing a number of things that involve mathematical and statistical thinking. This talk will describe some of the things I have been doing, as well as some of the things I have learned through the experience. I will also discuss how I went about setting-up this experience, how I think my employer perceives my experiences, and how I expect this to be something that lasts beyond this year.
Year: 2007
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: What I did on my sabbatical: Experiencing the "real world"
Abstract: In an effort to gain some "real world" experience with mathematics and statistics during my sabbatical this year, I have been working at a local windows manufacturer doing a number of things that involve mathematical and statistical thinking. This talk will describe some of the things I have been doing, as well as some of the things I have learned through the experience. I will also discuss how I went about setting-up this experience, how I think my employer perceives my experiences, and how I expect this to be something that lasts beyond this year.
ID:
449
Year: 2016
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Covering Cylinders
Abstract: We wil show how to design a cover to fit intersecting cylinders of different diameters. This is a real problem involving my neighbor's underground house.
Year: 2016
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Covering Cylinders
Abstract: We wil show how to design a cover to fit intersecting cylinders of different diameters. This is a real problem involving my neighbor's underground house.
ID:
194
Year: 2007
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Optimal arrangement of digits
Abstract: Problem: Arrange a sequence of mn positive digits into m n-digit numbers whose product is minimized or maximized. We show how to recognize optimal arrangements of digits, and give an efficient algorithm for finding solutions.
Year: 2007
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Optimal arrangement of digits
Abstract: Problem: Arrange a sequence of mn positive digits into m n-digit numbers whose product is minimized or maximized. We show how to recognize optimal arrangements of digits, and give an efficient algorithm for finding solutions.
ID:
450
Year: 2016
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: When Choice is an Illusion
Abstract: While choice is usually a valued commodity, it sometimes does not make a difference. In this talk, I look at various mathematical phenomena where, regardless of your choice, the final outcome is surprisingly unchanged.
Year: 2016
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: When Choice is an Illusion
Abstract: While choice is usually a valued commodity, it sometimes does not make a difference. In this talk, I look at various mathematical phenomena where, regardless of your choice, the final outcome is surprisingly unchanged.
ID:
195
Year: 2007
Name: Tim Schwickerath
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Historical Roots of Math and Physics in Germany
Abstract: In May 2006, a class of thirteen students and Dr. Brian Birgen from Wartburg College toured Germany and examined math and physics from a historical perspective. The class toured various musuems and universities all around Germany. The class also explored the German culture through home stays and other experiences. Two students from the class will share and discuss highlights of their experiences.
Year: 2007
Name: Tim Schwickerath
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Historical Roots of Math and Physics in Germany
Abstract: In May 2006, a class of thirteen students and Dr. Brian Birgen from Wartburg College toured Germany and examined math and physics from a historical perspective. The class toured various musuems and universities all around Germany. The class also explored the German culture through home stays and other experiences. Two students from the class will share and discuss highlights of their experiences.
ID:
197
Year: 2007
Name: Tim Schwickerath
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Historical Roots of Math and Physics in Germany
Abstract: In May 2006, a class of thirteen students and Dr. Brian Birgen from Wartburg College toured Germany and examined math and physics from a historical perspective. The class toured various musuems and universities all around Germany. The class also explored the German culture through home stays and other experiences. Two students from the class will share highlights of their experiences.
Year: 2007
Name: Tim Schwickerath
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Historical Roots of Math and Physics in Germany
Abstract: In May 2006, a class of thirteen students and Dr. Brian Birgen from Wartburg College toured Germany and examined math and physics from a historical perspective. The class toured various musuems and universities all around Germany. The class also explored the German culture through home stays and other experiences. Two students from the class will share highlights of their experiences.
ID:
453
Year: 2016
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Let's Do Some Math
Abstract: I will bring some fun math problems that we can dig into for no better reason than to do some math.
Year: 2016
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Let's Do Some Math
Abstract: I will bring some fun math problems that we can dig into for no better reason than to do some math.
ID:
198
Year: 2007
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Overview of the version of Mathematica currently in development
Abstract: This talk will look at some of the new features that are being developed for the version of Mathematica currently in development. An overview will be given as well as some illustrations of how to exploit some of the new features.
Year: 2007
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Overview of the version of Mathematica currently in development
Abstract: This talk will look at some of the new features that are being developed for the version of Mathematica currently in development. An overview will be given as well as some illustrations of how to exploit some of the new features.
ID:
199
Year: 2007
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An algorithm for creating "equal" regions
Abstract: This talk will discuss an algorithm that is still in development. The goal of the algorithm is to take a large area that has been broken up into counties and use some quantifiable information for each county (e.g., population) to create a given number of geographically compact regions having relatively equal quantities. The speaker will discuss the evolution of the algorithm from first being a greedy algorithm to now being what you might call an "altruistic" algorithm.
Year: 2007
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An algorithm for creating "equal" regions
Abstract: This talk will discuss an algorithm that is still in development. The goal of the algorithm is to take a large area that has been broken up into counties and use some quantifiable information for each county (e.g., population) to create a given number of geographically compact regions having relatively equal quantities. The speaker will discuss the evolution of the algorithm from first being a greedy algorithm to now being what you might call an "altruistic" algorithm.
ID:
455
Year: 2016
Name: Art Benjamin
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathemagics!
Abstract: Arthur Benjamin will demonstrate and explain how to mentally add and multiply numbers faster than a calculator, how to figure out the day of the week of any date in history, and other amazing feats of mind. He has presented his mixture of math and magic to audiences all over the world.
Year: 2016
Name: Art Benjamin
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathemagics!
Abstract: Arthur Benjamin will demonstrate and explain how to mentally add and multiply numbers faster than a calculator, how to figure out the day of the week of any date in history, and other amazing feats of mind. He has presented his mixture of math and magic to audiences all over the world.
ID:
200
Year: 2007
Name: Jonathan Botts
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On the Weakly Sign Symmetric Matrix Completion Problems
Abstract: An n x n matrix is called a P-matrix if all its principal minors are positive. An n x n matrix, A = [a_{ij}], is sign symmetric, if for each i,j \in \{1, 2, \dots, n }, either a_{ij} = 0 = a_{ji}$ or a_{ij}a_{ji}>0; the matrix is weakly sign symmetric if a_{ij}a_{ji}\ge 0. In this talk we show that an n x n partial (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix specifying an asymmetric acyclic digraph can be completed to a (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix. We also show that a partial n x n (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix specifying an asymmetric digraph with no 3-cycles, can be completed to a (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix for n >= 5.
Year: 2007
Name: Jonathan Botts
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On the Weakly Sign Symmetric Matrix Completion Problems
Abstract: An n x n matrix is called a P-matrix if all its principal minors are positive. An n x n matrix, A = [a_{ij}], is sign symmetric, if for each i,j \in \{1, 2, \dots, n }, either a_{ij} = 0 = a_{ji}$ or a_{ij}a_{ji}>0; the matrix is weakly sign symmetric if a_{ij}a_{ji}\ge 0. In this talk we show that an n x n partial (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix specifying an asymmetric acyclic digraph can be completed to a (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix. We also show that a partial n x n (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix specifying an asymmetric digraph with no 3-cycles, can be completed to a (weakly) sign symmetric P-matrix for n >= 5.
ID:
456
Year: 2016
Name: Stephen Kennedy
Institution: Carleton College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Halving Your Cake
Abstract: It is a problem as old as humanity: given a resource to be shared (water, land, cake) how can it be shared fairly between several people? The answer, in the case of two claimants, is simple and ancient and known to every five-year-old with a sibling: I cut,You choose. Things get much more interesting, and challenging, if one has more than one sibling. We are forced to ask ourselves exactly what “fairly” means in the question; “fair” from whose point of view and by what criteria?
Year: 2016
Name: Stephen Kennedy
Institution: Carleton College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Halving Your Cake
Abstract: It is a problem as old as humanity: given a resource to be shared (water, land, cake) how can it be shared fairly between several people? The answer, in the case of two claimants, is simple and ancient and known to every five-year-old with a sibling: I cut,You choose. Things get much more interesting, and challenging, if one has more than one sibling. We are forced to ask ourselves exactly what “fairly” means in the question; “fair” from whose point of view and by what criteria?