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K-12 Activities

The MAA strives to ensure that sessions at MathFest present mathematics in a way that is accessible to a broad audience. As a result, K-12 teachers will find all the expository sessions at MathFest to be informative and enriching. In addition, the following sessions are directed specifically at the professional interests of K-12 teachers. 

Register for the AMC 8 or AMC 10/12 Contest(s), and you're automatically enrolled as a K-12 Teacher Member. Invite your students to attend MAA MathFest 2015. The High School Student rate is only $49.

Secrets of Mental Math

Thursday, August 6, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM, Marriott Wardman Park, Salon 2/3

Art Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College

Dr. Arthur Benjamin is a mathematician and a magician. In his entertaining and fast-paced performance, he 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.

Special Presentation for High School Students, Parents, and Teachers

A Dozen Proofs that 1=2: An Accessible and Quirky Overview of Mathematics for K-12 Teachers and Their Students

Saturday, August 8, 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM, Marriott Wardman Park, Salon 2

James Tanton, The Saint Mark’s Mathematics Institute and MAA 

Guidobaldo del Monte (1545-1647), a patron and friend of Galileo Galilei, believed he had witnessed the creation of something out of nothing when he established mathematically that zero equals one. He thereby thought he had proven the existence of God! James Tanton doesn't claim to be so bold, but he is willing to prove instead that one equals two. And, moreover, just to convince you that he is right, he will do so a dozen times over, drawing upon a wide spectrum of mathematical techniques: school algebra and arithmetic, probability and mechanics, pure thought and physical action! Will you be able to find fault with any of his "proofs?" This will be a math talk of the like you've never seen before. All are welcome!

Math Circle Demonstration

Saturday, August 8, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Marriott Wardman Park, Maryland A

A math circle is an enrichment experience that brings mathematics professionals in direct contact with pre-college students and/or their teachers. Circles foster passion and excitement for deep mathematics. This demonstration session offers the opportunity for conference attendees to observe and then discuss a math circle experience designed for local students. While students are engaged in a mathematical investigation, mathematicians will have a discussion focused on appreciating and better understanding the organic and creative process of learning that circles offer, and on the logistics and dynamics of running an effective circle.

Katherine Morrison, University of Northern Colorado
Japheth Wood, New York Math Circle

SIGMAA MCST

Math Wrangle

Saturday, August 8, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, Marriott Wardman Park, Maryland A

Math Wrangle will pit teams of students against each other, the clock, and a slate of great math problems. The format of a Math Wrangle is designed to engage students in mathematical problem solving, promote effective teamwork, provide a venue for oral presentations, and develop critical listening skills. A Math Wrangle incorporates elements of team sports and debate, with a dose of strategy tossed in for good measure. The intention of the Math Wrangle demonstration at MathFest is to show how teachers, schools, circles, and clubs can get students started in this exciting combination of mathematical problem solving with careful argumentation via public speaking, strategy and rebuttal.

Mark Saul, MAA American Mathematics Competitions
Ed Keppelmann, University of Nevada

SIGMAA MCST

Undergraduate Student Activities

There are also a number of activities planned for undergraduate students and many of them will be of interest to K-12 teachers. Click here to see a list of student-oriented activities.

Year: 
2015