Proposals
Below are some proposals for talks from the past (and current). By clicking on the ID number, more details are shown. By default, these are sorted chronologically (recent first) and by then by last name. The data can be sorted by alternate means by using the links at the top right, each allowing ascending or descending orders.
Displaying 241-260 of 471 results.
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ID:
329
Year: 2012
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: 2-Color Rado Numbers
Abstract: Rado numbers are a branch of Combinatorics and are closely related to Ramsey numbers. In this talk, after discussing some of the historical work done on this topic, we will completely determine the 2-color Rado numbers for equations of a certain form.
Year: 2012
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: 2-Color Rado Numbers
Abstract: Rado numbers are a branch of Combinatorics and are closely related to Ramsey numbers. In this talk, after discussing some of the historical work done on this topic, we will completely determine the 2-color Rado numbers for equations of a certain form.
ID:
330
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
ID:
331
Year: 2012
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Multivariate Calculus, numerical mathematics
Title of Talk: Calculus III projects for Undergraduates
Abstract: Multivariate Calculus lends itself particularly well to explorations on the computer. Examples include Newton's method, Steepest Descent, two-dimensional Riemann sums, Euler's method for differential equations. Each of these can be presented in various appealing contexts and is immediately plausible for a student who understands the core concepts of the derivative of a multivariate function and Riemann sums, respectively. On the other hand, exploring the 'approximation' aspect of Calculus with paper and pencil and even with a calculator is less satisfactory than using a computer, especially if powerful mathematical software is available (eg SAGE, R, Matlab, Maple, Mathematica). Ideally, the results can be presented in an appealing graphic, and we'll show examples of student work. Finally, we do not assume any programming skills, but this kind of small project is a great opportunity to learn them.
Year: 2012
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Multivariate Calculus, numerical mathematics
Title of Talk: Calculus III projects for Undergraduates
Abstract: Multivariate Calculus lends itself particularly well to explorations on the computer. Examples include Newton's method, Steepest Descent, two-dimensional Riemann sums, Euler's method for differential equations. Each of these can be presented in various appealing contexts and is immediately plausible for a student who understands the core concepts of the derivative of a multivariate function and Riemann sums, respectively. On the other hand, exploring the 'approximation' aspect of Calculus with paper and pencil and even with a calculator is less satisfactory than using a computer, especially if powerful mathematical software is available (eg SAGE, R, Matlab, Maple, Mathematica). Ideally, the results can be presented in an appealing graphic, and we'll show examples of student work. Finally, we do not assume any programming skills, but this kind of small project is a great opportunity to learn them.
ID:
332
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
ID:
333
Year: 2012
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: A line need not be straight!
Abstract: In Geometry a line is an undefined term, governed only by whatever axioms you want to impose on it. Students have a hard time with proofs in non-Euclidean Geometries, because their Euclidean intuition about straight lines keeps interfering with their logical thinking. I try to have my students develop non-Euclidean intuition by introducing them to different worlds: The Green Jello World, inhabited by fish, consists of Jello that is less dense in one direction, but infinitely dense at the end of the world. Escher's World is as a disk populated by inhabitants in which everything shrinks towards the outside. By thinking like inhabitants of these worlds, students realize that you can get from A to B with fewer steps/flipper strokes by not necessarily following a Euclidean line. They naturally come up with the fact that lines (interpreted as shortest paths) can be curved looking paths! Having this hyperbolic intuition makes it much easier for students to write formal proofs in hyperbolic geometry.
Year: 2012
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: A line need not be straight!
Abstract: In Geometry a line is an undefined term, governed only by whatever axioms you want to impose on it. Students have a hard time with proofs in non-Euclidean Geometries, because their Euclidean intuition about straight lines keeps interfering with their logical thinking. I try to have my students develop non-Euclidean intuition by introducing them to different worlds: The Green Jello World, inhabited by fish, consists of Jello that is less dense in one direction, but infinitely dense at the end of the world. Escher's World is as a disk populated by inhabitants in which everything shrinks towards the outside. By thinking like inhabitants of these worlds, students realize that you can get from A to B with fewer steps/flipper strokes by not necessarily following a Euclidean line. They naturally come up with the fact that lines (interpreted as shortest paths) can be curved looking paths! Having this hyperbolic intuition makes it much easier for students to write formal proofs in hyperbolic geometry.
ID:
334
Year: 2012
Name: Henry Walker
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): MAA CUPM Subcommittee Status Report
Title of Talk: MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science
Abstract: The MAA CUPM currently is working on a revision of its curricular recommendations for undergraduate programs and departments. As part of this effort, CUPM has appointed several Program Study Groups to explore how mathematics programs might support and collaborate with programs in other areas. Topics for consideration include supporting courses, minors, double majors, and other interdisciplinary opportunities. This session will review the current activities of the MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science. Feedback from the session attendees will be sought to help clarify what types of information might be helpful within a forthcoming Study Group report.
Year: 2012
Name: Henry Walker
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): MAA CUPM Subcommittee Status Report
Title of Talk: MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science
Abstract: The MAA CUPM currently is working on a revision of its curricular recommendations for undergraduate programs and departments. As part of this effort, CUPM has appointed several Program Study Groups to explore how mathematics programs might support and collaborate with programs in other areas. Topics for consideration include supporting courses, minors, double majors, and other interdisciplinary opportunities. This session will review the current activities of the MAA Program Study Group on Computer Science and Computational Science. Feedback from the session attendees will be sought to help clarify what types of information might be helpful within a forthcoming Study Group report.
ID:
335
Year: 2012
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sabbatical Leave, the Perfect Time to Mentor Undergraduates in Research.
Abstract: During my previous and now current sabbatical I have involved undergraduates in my research activities. I included my intentions in my sabbatical applications and this fact I firmly believe strengthened my proposals. This talk will focus on the strategies I have employed in involving students in my work and the subsequent outcomes.
Year: 2012
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sabbatical Leave, the Perfect Time to Mentor Undergraduates in Research.
Abstract: During my previous and now current sabbatical I have involved undergraduates in my research activities. I included my intentions in my sabbatical applications and this fact I firmly believe strengthened my proposals. This talk will focus on the strategies I have employed in involving students in my work and the subsequent outcomes.
ID:
336
Year: 2012
Name: Kelly Woodard
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Beggar Your Neighbor, The Search for an Infinite Game
Abstract: In this talk we will present the work completed in the summer of 2012 during the Dr. Albert H. and Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. We furthered the analysis of the card game Beggar-My-Neighbor specifically with the intent of discovering a deal that leads to an infinite game in a 52-card deck. We used combinatorics and programs written in Mathematica to examine and refine the large number of possible deals based on structures that lead to cyclic behavior.
Year: 2012
Name: Kelly Woodard
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Beggar Your Neighbor, The Search for an Infinite Game
Abstract: In this talk we will present the work completed in the summer of 2012 during the Dr. Albert H. and Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. We furthered the analysis of the card game Beggar-My-Neighbor specifically with the intent of discovering a deal that leads to an infinite game in a 52-card deck. We used combinatorics and programs written in Mathematica to examine and refine the large number of possible deals based on structures that lead to cyclic behavior.
ID:
337
Year: 2012
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Points are Terrible. Better Assessment is possible
Abstract: This is a preliminary report (and a bit of a polemic) about my new experiment with standards based assessment in a college level Euclidean Geometry course.
Year: 2012
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Points are Terrible. Better Assessment is possible
Abstract: This is a preliminary report (and a bit of a polemic) about my new experiment with standards based assessment in a college level Euclidean Geometry course.
ID:
338
Year: 2012
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Introduction to Sage
Abstract: Sage is a free, open-source mathematical software system. In this workshop we will give a short introduction to the capabilities and features of Sage and give everyone a chance to try it out.
Year: 2012
Name: Jason Grout
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Introduction to Sage
Abstract: Sage is a free, open-source mathematical software system. In this workshop we will give a short introduction to the capabilities and features of Sage and give everyone a chance to try it out.
ID:
339
Year: 2012
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): analysis
Title of Talk: A Beautiful Cantor-like Function
Abstract: Analysis students encounter various functions with exotic properties. This could include functions with infinitely many discontinuities (Dirichlet function, Thomae function, windmill functions) or continuous functions which grow in a bizarre way (Cantor function, Minkowski's question mark function). After quickly reviewing these, we introduce a new function f(x) which combines enticing properties from both of these classes: a dense set of discontinuities, fractal structure, a base-3 digital representation, satisfies f(f(x))=x, and has surprising integral properties. This function makes an excellent study to conclude a first course in analysis.
Year: 2012
Name: Marc Chamberland
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s): analysis
Title of Talk: A Beautiful Cantor-like Function
Abstract: Analysis students encounter various functions with exotic properties. This could include functions with infinitely many discontinuities (Dirichlet function, Thomae function, windmill functions) or continuous functions which grow in a bizarre way (Cantor function, Minkowski's question mark function). After quickly reviewing these, we introduce a new function f(x) which combines enticing properties from both of these classes: a dense set of discontinuities, fractal structure, a base-3 digital representation, satisfies f(f(x))=x, and has surprising integral properties. This function makes an excellent study to conclude a first course in analysis.
ID:
340
Year: 2012
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Culture Points at Coe
Abstract: Coe has been using a "Math Culture Points" system for several years now to encourage and reward students for relevant activities outside of class, inspired by the article "Culture Points: Engaging Students outside the Classroom" by Fraboni and Hartshorn in PRIMUS v17. We have had excellent results, particularly including enthusiastic student participation in activities. We will discuss our implementations of the system, which differ from Fraboni and Hartshorn
Year: 2012
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Culture Points at Coe
Abstract: Coe has been using a "Math Culture Points" system for several years now to encourage and reward students for relevant activities outside of class, inspired by the article "Culture Points: Engaging Students outside the Classroom" by Fraboni and Hartshorn in PRIMUS v17. We have had excellent results, particularly including enthusiastic student participation in activities. We will discuss our implementations of the system, which differ from Fraboni and Hartshorn
ID:
341
Year: 2012
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Algebra (Commutative Algebra)
Title of Talk: Cores of Monomial Ideals
Abstract: Blow-up algebras associated to an ideal I are at the center of the interplay between commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. One can study these algebras through minimal reductions of I, or simpler ideals inside of I which retain much of I
Year: 2012
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Algebra (Commutative Algebra)
Title of Talk: Cores of Monomial Ideals
Abstract: Blow-up algebras associated to an ideal I are at the center of the interplay between commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. One can study these algebras through minimal reductions of I, or simpler ideals inside of I which retain much of I
ID:
342
Year: 2012
Name: Bill Schellhorn
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): math modeling, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: The Feasibility of Electric Vehicles: Driving Interest in Mathematical Modeling
Abstract: The study of electric vehicles can be used to promote interest in mathematical modeling in a variety of courses and student projects. In this presentation, I will discuss how the feasibility of electric vehicles can be investigated using fundamental topics in algebra, calculus, and statistics. I will also give examples of how technology can be incorporated into the investigation.
Year: 2012
Name: Bill Schellhorn
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): math modeling, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: The Feasibility of Electric Vehicles: Driving Interest in Mathematical Modeling
Abstract: The study of electric vehicles can be used to promote interest in mathematical modeling in a variety of courses and student projects. In this presentation, I will discuss how the feasibility of electric vehicles can be investigated using fundamental topics in algebra, calculus, and statistics. I will also give examples of how technology can be incorporated into the investigation.
ID:
343
Year: 2012
Name: Mary Therese Padberg
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: The Twisted Tale of Protein-bound DNA
Abstract: DNA is important for our cells to function and grow, but it cannot accomplish this alone. DNA is just the blueprint and its information must be read and expressed by proteins. Understanding the shape of DNA when protein has bound to it (protein-bound DNA) is important for biological and medical research. Laboratory techniques exist which allow scientists to find the geometric structure for some protein-bound DNA complexes. When these techniques fail, we can often experimentally determine a topology for the complex, but topology alone is not enough. In order to understand the structure of protein-bound DNA at a scientifically useful level we need to know the geometry of the structure. In this talk we will create a mathematical model based on the DNA topology from laboratory experiments to describe the geometry of the DNA. We will discuss the flexibility of this model to accept user modifications in order to model the protein-bound DNA sample under variable conditions. Thus, by combining geometric and topological solutions we will be able to more accurately describe the shape of large protein-bound DNA complexes.
Year: 2012
Name: Mary Therese Padberg
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: The Twisted Tale of Protein-bound DNA
Abstract: DNA is important for our cells to function and grow, but it cannot accomplish this alone. DNA is just the blueprint and its information must be read and expressed by proteins. Understanding the shape of DNA when protein has bound to it (protein-bound DNA) is important for biological and medical research. Laboratory techniques exist which allow scientists to find the geometric structure for some protein-bound DNA complexes. When these techniques fail, we can often experimentally determine a topology for the complex, but topology alone is not enough. In order to understand the structure of protein-bound DNA at a scientifically useful level we need to know the geometry of the structure. In this talk we will create a mathematical model based on the DNA topology from laboratory experiments to describe the geometry of the DNA. We will discuss the flexibility of this model to accept user modifications in order to model the protein-bound DNA sample under variable conditions. Thus, by combining geometric and topological solutions we will be able to more accurately describe the shape of large protein-bound DNA complexes.
ID:
344
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
ID:
345
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Art & Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometreks
Abstract: Few people expect to encounter mathematics on a visit to an art gallery or even a walk down a city street (or across campus). When we explore the world around us with mathematics in mind, however, we see the many ways in which mathematics can manifest itself, in streetscapes, sculptures, paintings, architectural structures, and more. This illustrated presentation offers illuminating glimpses of mathematics, from Euclidean geometry and normal distributions to Riemann sums and M_bius strips, as seen in a variety of structures and artworks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New Orleans, and many other locales.
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Art & Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometreks
Abstract: Few people expect to encounter mathematics on a visit to an art gallery or even a walk down a city street (or across campus). When we explore the world around us with mathematics in mind, however, we see the many ways in which mathematics can manifest itself, in streetscapes, sculptures, paintings, architectural structures, and more. This illustrated presentation offers illuminating glimpses of mathematics, from Euclidean geometry and normal distributions to Riemann sums and M_bius strips, as seen in a variety of structures and artworks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New Orleans, and many other locales.
ID:
346
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Counting
Title of Talk: Pancake Sorting, Prefix Reversals, and DNA Rearrangements
Abstract: The seemingly simple problem of sorting a stack of differently sized pancakes has become a staple of theoretical computer science and led to insights into the evolution of species. First proposed in The American Mathematical Monthly, the problem attracted the attention of noted mathematicians and computer scientists. It now plays an important role in the realm of molecular biology for making sense of DNA rearrangements.
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Counting
Title of Talk: Pancake Sorting, Prefix Reversals, and DNA Rearrangements
Abstract: The seemingly simple problem of sorting a stack of differently sized pancakes has become a staple of theoretical computer science and led to insights into the evolution of species. First proposed in The American Mathematical Monthly, the problem attracted the attention of noted mathematicians and computer scientists. It now plays an important role in the realm of molecular biology for making sense of DNA rearrangements.
ID:
349
Year: 2012
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Applications of Projective Tiling
Abstract: We give a low level approach to the theorem that in a photograph, all parallel lines meet at a point. We prove this theorem using analytic geometry. We point out some mathematical properties of projections that are not displayed in photographs. And we show how to estimate areas and distances in photographs without doing numerical calculations. This material would be appropriate for a Math Club presentation or a special topic to show an application of math to forensic investigations.
Year: 2012
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Applications of Projective Tiling
Abstract: We give a low level approach to the theorem that in a photograph, all parallel lines meet at a point. We prove this theorem using analytic geometry. We point out some mathematical properties of projections that are not displayed in photographs. And we show how to estimate areas and distances in photographs without doing numerical calculations. This material would be appropriate for a Math Club presentation or a special topic to show an application of math to forensic investigations.
ID:
350
Year: 2012
Name: Heidi Berger
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Research
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Research During the Academic Year
Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss my experience with the Center for Undergraduate Research, both as a participant and as a co-director. I will discuss the work conducted by Simpson students in the academic year and summer setting and discuss resources to support undergraduate research during the academic year.
Year: 2012
Name: Heidi Berger
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Research
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Research During the Academic Year
Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss my experience with the Center for Undergraduate Research, both as a participant and as a co-director. I will discuss the work conducted by Simpson students in the academic year and summer setting and discuss resources to support undergraduate research during the academic year.