MathFest 2010 - August 5-7, Pittsburgh, PA

Short Course and Minicourses

Short Course

In recent years, a new piece of mathematical software has appeared on the scene: Sage (www.sagemath.org) is an open source package capable of doing high-powered symbolic and numerical computations. It features a web-based notebook interface, local or remote operation, and can interact with other packages, both open source and commercial (if available). In this short course we will introduce the package, giving multiple examples of how to use it for mathematical explorations, both elementary and advanced. We will focus on algebraic and combinatorial investigations.

A more complete description and schedule can be found in PDF format.

Minicourses

  • #1 — Recruiting students to take more mathematics courses and to be math majors
    Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University
    Part 1: Thursday, August 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Part 2: Friday, August 6, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    We will discuss some principles and specific activities we have used to increase the number of students taking mathematics courses and becoming math majors. Principles include creating a culture of “Math is cool!”, exposing students to careers and opportunities available to those who study mathematics, and being proactive in your efforts. Specific activities include a “Careers in Mathematics” seminar, a freshman/sophomore class titled “Intro to being a math major,” the creation of a student advisory council, a big screen HDTV display with a PowerPoint presentation about mathematics, a set of math t-shirts, and the “When Will I Use Math" website.

  • #2 —Perspective Viewing and Drawing Make Good Math Problems
    Marc Frantz, Indiana University
    Annalisa Crannell, Franklin & Marshall College
    Part 1: Thursday, August 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Part 2: Friday, August 6, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    The execution of the simplest line drawings in perspective can pose math problems that challenge the brightest of students. Nevertheless, the solutions are pleasingly easy to use and remember. The other side of the coin—viewing a work in perspective from the correct viewpoint—poses similarly interesting problems. When applied to viewing real artwork (or posters), these techniques lead to an astonishing experience of depth and realism that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. This Minicourse conveys these techniques through hands-on activities, which the facilitators have taught to over 170 instructors in faculty development workshops. No artistic experience is required.

  • #3 —An introduction to GeoGebra, a tool for demonstration, exploration, and applet creation
    Mike May, S.J., Saint Louis University
    Part 1: Thursday, August 5, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Part 2: Saturday, August 7, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    GeoGebra is an easy to use, free, open source, cross platform, program that allows users to visualize and experiment with both algebraic and geometric representations of mathematical concepts. Constructions can be used as live demonstration or exploration tools, or saved as applets used with any java enabled browser. Sample applets can be found at http://www.slu.edu/classes.maymk/GeoGebra/. The minicourse assumes only novice computer skills and covers an introduction to GeoGebra up through deploying applets in web pages. We will work through creating several activities to illustrate features of the program and to get participants to create their own activities. All participants are expected to bring a laptop computer to the minicourse.

  • #4 —Effective Placement Testing for Introductory College Mathematics Courses
    Raymond Cannon, Baylor University
    Marilyn Carlson, Arizona State University
    Wade Ellis, West Valley College
    Louise Krmpotic, Maplesoft
    Bernard L. Madison, University of Arkansas
    James W. Stepp, University of Houston
    Gordon Woodward, University of Nebraska
    Part 1: Thursday, August 5, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Part 2: Saturday, August 7, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    Building on experience from MathFest 2009, this minicourse will describe and analyze ways to develop or modify placement testing programs so that they are more effective in placing students into challenging introductory courses where they can succeed.    The topics will include innovations in item types and cognitive design, the increasingly complex transition testing landscape, structuring a placement program, and available testing resources.  Both participants who are just beginning placement testing work and those with considerable experience are welcome. Prior to the minicourse, participants will be surveyed as to their expectations of the course and their experience with placement testing.  Some experienced participants will be invited to share their experiences and respond to questions from others.  

  • #5 — A Game Theory Path to Quantitative Literacy
    David Housman, Goshen College
    Rick Gillman, Valparaiso University
    Part 1: Friday, August 6, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Part 2: Saturday, August 7, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

    Game Theory, defined in the broadest sense, can be used to model many real-world scenarios of decision making in situations involving conflict and cooperation. Further, mastering the basic concepts and tools of game theory require only an understanding of basic algebra, probability, and formal reasoning. These two features of Game Theory make it an ideal path to developing habits of quantitative literacy among our students. This audience participation mini-course develops some of the material used by the presenters in their general education courses on Game Theory and encourages participants to develop their own, similar, courses.

  • #6 — Creating Demonstrations and Guided Explorations for Multivariable Calculus using CalcPlot3D
    Paul Seeburger, Monroe Community College
    Part 1: Friday, August 6, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Part 2: Saturday, August 7, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

    It is often difficult for students to develop an accurate and intuitive understanding of the geometric relationships of calculus from static diagrams alone. This course explores a collection of freely available Java applets designed to help students make these connections. Our primary focus will be visualizing multivariable calculus using CalcPlot3D, a versatile new applet developed by the presenter through NSF-DUE-0736968. Participants will also learn how to customize this applet to create demonstrations and guided exploration activities for student use. Images created in this applet can be pasted into participants’ documents. See http://web.monroecc.edu/calcNSF/. Some basic HTML experience is helpful. All participants are expected to bring a laptop computer to the minicourse.