Winter 2005 Newsletter

From the Chair A Call for Papers
The Governor's Corner Nominations Needed
The Annual KYMAA Meeting Hey Students!
The Invited Talks - including abstracts KYMAA Visiting Lecturer Program


From the Chair

It has been very interesting to watch my son�s progress through elementary school mathematics. Something that struck me a couple years ago was the terminology used to describe mathematics. For example, one step of the standard subtraction algorithm is �regrouping�. To those of us of a certain age � and this includes his second grade teacher � this was known as �borrowing�. Does the chosen word make a difference? Not to my son, at least not in second grade. However, �regrouping� is the more general concept, for regrouping is reversible. Regrouping occurs in both subtraction and addition, but borrowing is limited to subtraction. Besides, borrowing implies a payback, and when does that occur? So I tried to stress the more modern word.

Another terminology issue you will recognize is �factor� versus �term�. Does it matter to our students which is which? I think it should but to many students it does not. Why do we call a polygon with three sides a �triangle�? Wouldn�t �trilateral� be more appropriate? (This issue comes up in projective geometry.) How about �Abelian� versus �commutative�? To me, �Abelian� immediately conjures the notion of group; it has a context that carries more meaning than just commutativity. So in many ways, the choice of a word does make a difference.

Thanks to those who attended the Tri-Section Meeting in Evansville last November. The Kentucky section was well represented, by speakers and by attendees. I heard some really good talks, including a lucid presentation of the Riemann Hypothesis. I had a great time and I hope you did too.

In the last year or so, the Section�s officers have discussed adding the position of Section Historian. As we reviewed our by-laws for this purpose, we discovered several other items that need attention. For instance, the national by-laws prohibit individual sections from collecting dues! Work has progressed, albeit slowly, on revising our section by-laws. You should expect to receive a proposed revision in early March. This will be a voting item at the section meeting April 1-2. The current by-laws are available at http://web.centre.edu/mat/kymaa/bylaws.html.

I look forward to seeing all of you at Morehead State in April.

Bill Fenton at wfenton@bellarmine.edu
KYMAA Chair


The Governor's Corner

In January 2005 I attended my sixth and final national MAA meeting as the Governor of the Kentucky Section. The Atlanta joint meeting was rich in presentations, workshops, and enthusiastic participants. The members of the MAA Board of Governors (BOG) are the fiduciary agents of the organization and therefore must vote on the many financial issues which come before the Association. As an example, a 2006 dues structure was approved which calls for an increase of $2 � $7 per year depending on the membership category. The BOG also approved a strategic planning process which is expected to guide and direct the operations of the Association as it approaches its Centennial Year in 2015. A joint NCTM-MAA Committee on Mutual Concerns was also approved which should result in an increase in the Association�s awareness of mathematics education issues at various levels. Along these same lines, a new SIGMAA (Special Interest Group) on the Teaching of Advanced High School Mathematics was announced, bringing the total number of MAA SIGMAAs to nine. The SIGMAAs are attracting many members as they provide a venue for the communication of ideas among Association members with common interests.

The book publishing efforts of the MAA continue to enjoy success as 12 new books were presented at the meeting. Indeed, publishing revenues from this effort have grown from $18,000 to over $200,000 during the past four years and many of the offerings are available on Amazon.com, the MAA website and at our section meetings.

John Kenelly, MAA Treasurer, continues to refine and clarify financial issues of concern for the Association. The Association is financially healthy when viewed from almost any perspective. It has obtained the services of an investment advisor to help with its endowment and the BOG approved a new investment policy at the meeting. The financial condition for the American Mathematical Competition (ACM) program is improving even though there was a slight decrease in the number of student participants (approximately 400,000 took the ACM8, ACM10/12, etc.) this past year.

A major NSF Pathways grant has been awarded to the MAA. The grant is titled The Math Gateway and is funded at two million dollars over the next four years. Its purpose is the creation of a mathematics portal for undergraduate mathematics within the National Science Digital Library (NSDL). The award to the MAA was one of only four funded by NSF this year and is the only one which focuses on a specific discipline. It will allow for the revision and extension of MathDL and will contain online publications and a gateway to other math collections. It will also support a members-only site for publications and other resources of interest to MAA members. Over all the Association has been very successful in attracting the support of the NSF in the past few years. Over six million dollars in support from the NSF is funding the PREP, PMET, and the Math Gateway Projects.

Information describing the PREP (Professional Enhancement Programs) and PMET (Preparing Mathematicians to Education Teachers) programs for 2005 is now being distributed with the anticipation of having another successful year of workshops and other professional developmental activities. Project NExT continues to gain additional financial support as five companies and two MAA sections are contributing to its financial support.

The MAA is indeed alive and doing quite well. The MAA web site features a wealth of information about all of the activities of the Association. I encourage you to visit it often at www.maa.org. The Association is continuing to benefit from outstanding leadership as shown by the passing of the gavel from outgoing president Ron Graham to incoming president Carl Cowan. By supporting MathFest and nine SIGMAAs, conducting extensive renovations at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., continually extending its web-based services, attracting over 27,000 members in 29 sections, and supporting its many publications and journals, the MAA is a vibrant professional organization supported by its members who serve on over a 100 committees.

I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as the KY Governor during the past 2 � years. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the MAA by learning of the intensity with which it pursues its mission, that being ��.to advance the mathematical sciences, especially at the collegiate level�. May it continue to grow and reflect to the world the beauty and utility of the mathematical sciences.

Rodger Hammons at r.hammons@moreheadstate.edu
KYMAA Governor


The Annual KYMAA Meeting

Our 2005 KYMAA Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 1 - 2, 2005 at Morehead State University, Morehead Kentucky. This should be an outstanding 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 is provided below, including a description of the invited talks, a call for papers, a call for nominations and information for students. Information to facilitate your attendance of the meeting, including various forms for registration and talks, directions, lodging information, and meal information can be found on our 2005 Annual Meeting and 2005 Meeting Program webpages. Complete program details will appear in the next newsletter on March 14, 2005. 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 on the 2005 Annual Meeting webpage.
  • 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

Finally, 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 always on the look out for a good meeting site!


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 Suzanna 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 information 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.

Suzanna 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 on the 2005 Annual Meeting webpage. 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 2005 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


KYMAA Visiting Lecturer Program

We would like to remind everyone of the Visiting Lecturer Program for KYMAA. We have compiled a list of those willing to give visiting lectures, the titles of those lectures, a short bio of the speaker, and contact information. This list also includes speakers willing to speak at high schools. You are invited to consider our list of speakers on the webpage for the KYMAA Visiting Lecturer Program

Lectures are undergraduate accessible, but not necessarily freshman/sophomore accessible (although, some talks are designated as accessible to high school students). Being listed does not obligate a speaker to accept invitations, but participants are willing to travel within a reasonable radius of their home institutions. Participants do not require or expect an honorarium from the host institution. However, the host institution is expected to take full responsibility for making all arrangements directly with the speaker, covering all travel expenses, publicizing the event, and acting as a host throughout the speaker's visit.

We are still looking for speakers to include on our list of visiting lecturers; those interested in being visiting lecturers should e-mail their information to either: Dr. Kathryn Lewis of Morehead State University at k.lewis@moreheadstate.edu or Dr. Daylene Zielinski of Bellarmine University at dzielinski@bellarmine.edu. Please send them the following information:

  • Name as you wish it to appear,
  • Title and Institution,
  • Contact Information including: address, phone, email, fax, url,
  • A short professional biography that gives some idea of your expertise; please limit your biography to a maximum of 150 words,
  • Titles of lectures you are interested in giving; please indicate which talks are accessible to high school students.