2005 Annual Meeting for KYMAA

Welcome! (forms) Hotel Information
The Invited Talks - including abstracts Directions and a Map
A Call for Papers Future KYMAA Meetings
Nominations Needed Meeting Program
Hey Students! Meeting Program & Abstracts

NOTE: on Saturday we will vote on: Proposed Revision to KYMAA Bylaws


Welcome!

Morehead State University is pleased to host the 2005 Annual Meeting of the KYMAA on April 1 - 2, 2005. This should be an enjoyable and inspiring meeting and we strongly encourage you to join the fun. Perhaps you can give a talk, or just come and listen to what your fellow mathematicians are up to these days.

More information will be provided below, including a description of the invited talks, a call for papers, information for students, meeting forms, directions, and lodging and meal information. A complete schedule for the meeting should be available on this site by March 14, 2005 at: Program for the 2005 Annual Meeting of KYMAA

Please note the following important dates for the KYMAA Annual Meeting:

  • February 28 : Deadline for submitting abstracts for talks at the meeting.
  • March 14 : Publication date of meeting program on this website.
  • March 15 : The last day the hotels will hold the blocks of rooms set aside for the meeting; contact information is under Hotel Information.
  • MARCH 16 : Registration Deadline. You Must register by this date if you would like to join us for meals at the meeting since the caterer needs a headcount by this date. At the very least e-mail our section secretary Daylene Zielinski at dzielinski@bellarmine.edu.
  • April 1 - 2 : a grand celebration of Kentucky mathematics at Morehead State University!

The various meeting forms can be obtained via the following links:

latex Presentation Abstract Form Registration Form
pdf Presentation Abstract Form Registration Form
postscript Presentation Abstract Form Registration Form
word Presentation Abstract Form Registration Form

The Invited Talks

The short course on Friday afternoon will be conducted by Professor John Kiltinen from Northern Michigan University. The topic Using Computerized Puzzles for Fun and Pedagogy will provide participants with some examples and hands-on experience using computer software and permutation puzzles to illustrate concepts students may see in a variety of courses.

On Friday evening, the invited talk will be given by Richard Neal, chair of the MAA committee on undergraduate activities and chapters. His talk is entitled Problems with Math Problems.

Saturday morning will feature two invited speakers:

  • Last year's recipient of the Kentucky Section's Distinguished Teaching Award, Professor Steve Newman of Northern Kentucky University, will speak on Mathematics Curriculum Alignment Efforts in Kentucky.
  • Our second invited speaker on Saturday morning is Professor Susanna Epp of Depaul University. The title of her talk is Mathematical Communication: Spoken and Unspoken.

Abstracts and Bios

John Kiltinen will give a workshop Using Computerized Puzzles for Fun and Pedagogy.
Abstract: This workshop will introduce participants to a system of computerized permutation puzzles developed by the presenter. In addition to learning the basics of how the system works, participants will also get an overview of how puzzles can be used for several pedagogical purposes. The presenter will describe how he uses the puzzles in an introductory abstract algebra course to give practical insight into concepts such as conjugates and commutators, and to provide models for permutation groups. Participants will learn how the customizability of the system makes it useful for motivating students and presenting interesting challenges in several other courses.
Biographical Information: John O. Kiltinen is a Professor of Mathematics at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. He earned his doctorate at Duke University. His research interests include topological algebra, group theory, and number theory. He has been active in the Michigan Section of the MAA, and served as that Section's Governor from 1998 to 2001. His book, Oval Track and Other Permutation Puzzles (And Just Enough Group Theory to Solve Them) and its accompanying puzzle software were published by the MAA in 2003.

Richard Neal will speak on Problems with Math Problems.
Abstract: Dr. Richard Neal began editing problems for The Problem Solving Competition and mailing them to colleges and universities around 1987. Students and teachers submit problems each month that are edited and sent out to colleges and universities. During the interim issues arose regarding the appropriateness of problem statements and solutions. In this talk the speaker will select a few of the problems that have been posed over the years and talk about "Problems with Math Problems." This will give the audience a chance to view some of the problems and related difficulties in posing, and answering math problems.
Biographical Information: [On June 5, 2008 this material was removed at the request of Richard Neal]

Steve Newman will speak on Mathematics Curriculum Alignment Efforts in Kentucky.
Abstract: Recent and ongoing efforts to align Kentucky high school mathematics curricula and assessments with postsecondary expectations and national standards will be discussed. The roles of the Kentucky college mathematics community, the Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program, the American Diploma Project, and the Mathematics Postsecondary Placement Policy Group in this process will be highlighted.
Biographical Information: Steve Newman is professor of mathematics at Northern Kentucky University and director of the Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 1968 and has been teaching at NKU since 1972. He has been involved in curriculum alignment issues in mathematics for the past seven years. He was a member of the national Content Expert/Employer Panel in mathematics for the American Diploma Project. He is a member of the Mathematics Postsecondary Placement Policy Group convened by the Council on Postsecondary Education and a member of the Commissioner�s Mathematics Focus Group chosen by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Susanna Epp will speak on Mathematical Communication: Spoken and Unspoken.
Abstract: Much of what we say and write in our mathematics classes assumes that our students understand linguistic and logical conventions that have never been made explicit to them. What problems result from this assumption, and how can we address them?
Biographical Information: Susanna S. Epp (Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1968) is Vincent de Paul Professor of Mathematical Sciences at DePaul University. After initial research in commutative algebra, she became interested in cognitive issues associated with teaching analytical thinking and proof and has published a number of articles and given many talks related to this topic. She is the author of Discrete Mathematics with Applications and is co-author of Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics, which was developed as part of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Long active in the Mathematical Association of America, she is an author of CUPM Curriculum Guide 2004 and is now the co-editor (for content) of Illustrative Resources for CUPM Guide 2004, an online supplement to the Guide. In January 2005 she received the Louise Hay Award for contributions to mathematics education, given by the Association for Women in Mathematics.


A Call for Papers

One of the main activities of our annual meetings is the presentation of papers by faculty and students. Please consider giving a talk at this year's meeting. Use this opportunity to share mathematical ideas and insights, an interesting mathematical application, or an effective teaching innovation with your colleagues from across the state. For students, consider reporting on an honor's project or a summer research project. A panel presentation on current mathematical issues is always interesting.

For both faculty and students, if you wish to make a presentation, fill out the Presentation Abstract Form and submit it by February 28, 2005. A copy of the form can be obtained above under Welcome! (forms) . In general, talks are scheduled for 20-minute intervals. Each talk should be about 15 minutes to leave time for a couple of questions and transition to the next talk. Special presentations can be allocated more time if necessary. It is important to note any special needs and a time preference on this form. Please submit the Presentation Abstract Form by e-mail to:

John Wilson
Department of Mathematics
Centre College
Danville, KY 40422
e-mail: wilson@centre.edu
fon: 859 - 238 - 5409
fax: 859 - 236 - 9610

Nominations Needed

KYMAA is interested in "hiring" a highly motivated individuals to serve as Chair-Elect. For information about the duties involved in this position, please contact the current Chair-Elect: John Wilson at wilson@centre.edu. We are in need of nominations for this position since John is being "promoted" Chair and we are willing to accept self-nominations from those who are interested. Please reflect on who might be a good candidate and send your suggestions to any member of the Nominating Committee: The election will be held at the Business Meeting. Thanks for your thoughtful suggestions!

We should also mention that MAA members will soon be receiving a ballot from the national office to vote for a new Governor of the Kentucky Section of the MAA.


Hey Students!

April is Mathematics Awareness Month. This year's theme is the Mathematics and the Cosmos. Encourage your math clubs to organize activities during the month of April. You can also kick off the 2004 Mathematics Awareness Month celebration by organizing a trip to attend the Annual KYMAA Section Meeting, April 1-2, 2005 at Morehead State University.

Students who joined faculty members at the banquet reported that they truly enjoyed it. This year, students again will join faculty at the Friday night banquet. Meals for students will be at a discounted price. Free housing is also available for students. Please contact me and I'll make the arrangements!

Don�t forget to prepare a poster to be displayed at a poster session of math and computer science club activities. Take pictures and prepare descriptions of your activities. Clubs can prepare self standing poster boards three feet in height and four feet in width to exhibit during the meeting or they can prepare 8 1/2 by 11 entries to be displayed on easels provided by MSU.

The KYMAA Section meeting is a great opportunity for students to give a talk. Did you enter the math modeling contest? Did you work on a project? Is there a math or computer science topic you�d like to investigate? Do so, and share your knowledge. Student presenters will have a choice of a free one-year subscription to the Mathematical Association of America, which includes a monthly publication of the student's choice, or a book.

Invited speaker Richard Neal is the chair of the National MAA committee on student chapters. During the meeting, there will be the opportunity to meet him and obtain information about club activities and opportunities. Don�t miss it. A couple of new attractions this year will be a just for fun Math Bowl and a Puzzle Room.

If you have any questions about MAA math clubs or student participation at the meeting, please feel free to contact me.

Dora Ahmadi at d.ahmadi@moreheadstate.edu
KYMAA Coordinator of Student Chapters


Hotel Information

The rooms are blocked for Friday, April 1st only. Once a block has been taken, the hotel will still give the discounted rate if KYMAA Spring Meeting is mentioned.
  • Ramada Inn
    1698 Flemingsburg Road
    Morehead, KY 40351
    Phone: (606) 784-7591
    FAX: (606) 783-1859
    $50.00 plus tax
    Must book by March 15th for discounted rate; mention "KYMAA".

  • Holiday Inn Express
    110 Toms Drive
    Morehead, KY 40351
    Phone: 800-465-4329 or 606-784-5796
    $63.00 plus tax
    Must book by March 15th for discounted rate; mention "KYMAA".


Directions and a Map

Directions to Morehead State University:
Get off of I-64 at Exit 137 (It's about an hour east of Lexington.). Turn onto KY Route 32 towards Morehead (a right turn if you were headed eastbound on I-64; a left turn if you were headed westbound on I-64). Travel approximately 3 miles on KY Route 32 to the intersection with Second Street (there is a traffic light and a pedestrian overpass). Turn left onto Second Street and follow that to Tippett Avenue (It will appear on the left, shortly after the second stop sign. The Rowan County Board of Education Building is on one corner.). Turn left onto Tippett Avenue, and then turn right onto Third Street. The parking lot that comes up on the right (after you pass the Board of Education Building) is directly behind Lappin Hall (a 4-story brick building). You can park there, or in one of the other 2 parking lots on the other side of Third Street.
Note: There is more information on parking below. The host institution is plannning to put up signs at appropriate points close to and around campus to help facilitate our travels!

Directions to the Ramada Inn:
After getting off of I-64 and onto KY Route 32 (a.k.a. Flemingsburg Road) headed toward Morehead, the Ramada Inn will be on the left, right by the interstate.

Directions to the Holiday Inn Express:
After getting off of I-64 and onto KY Route 32 and passing the Ramada Inn, turn right at the next traffic light (onto Pinecrest). Then turn left onto Toms Drive (right beside Domino's Pizza). Travel a short way along Toms Drive, and the Holiday Inn Express will appear on the left.

Parking information:
The Friday banquet and the Saturday luncheon will be held in the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) (building 15 on the map linked below), the invited talks and the AfterMath will be held in Reed Hall (building 3 on the map), and the rest of the KYMAA meeting activities will be held in Lappin Hall (building 6 on the map). KYMAA meeting participants may want to park in the following parking lots, which are nearest to those buildings:

  • the "FS" (Faculty/Staff) lot behind Lappin Hall (bldg. 6) and across from the Lloyd Cassity Building (bldg. 5 on the map) - enter from Third Street,
  • the "C" (Commuter Students) lot beside the Lloyd Cassity Building (bldg. 5) (*** Actually, there are 2 lots at this location - the map only shows a "C" lot, but it is actually a "C" lot, and an "FS" lot - they are right next to each other.) - enter from Third Street or Fourth Street,
  • the "FS" lot surrounded by buildings 7, 9, 11, 8, 5, and 3 on the map,
  • the "FS" lot by building 18 on the map - enter from Second Street,
  • also, construction is still going on around ADUC, so another parking lot might appear by April 1 beside ADUC...
A Map of Campus:
There is a map of campus on the website http://www.morehead-st.edu/intranet/map/campusmap04.pdf The labels for buildings and parking areas in the above directions appear on this map.


Future KYMAA Meetings

Our schedule of hosts for future section meetings is:

April 1 - 2, 2005 Morehead State University
March 31 - April 1, 2006 Centre College
2007 Northern Kentucky University
2008 any volunteers?!

Please contact any officer of KYMAA if you would interested in hosting a future meeting - we're particularly interested in soliciting a host for the 2007 KYMAA Annual Meeting.


Meeting Program & Abstracts

The information at the following links will be complete on March 14:

The meeting program can be found at: Program for the 2005 Annual Meeting of KYMAA (html)

The meeting program can be found at: Program for the 2005 Annual Meeting of KYMAA (doc)

The abstracts for talks can be found at: Abstracts for the 2005 Annual Meeting of KYMAA (doc)