Program and Presenters
Local Host: Art Mabbott
Kevin Bacon and Networks: Brian Hopkins
Networks are all around us: the internet, social connections, relational
databases, travel planning, etc. Networks can be studied mathematically,
but it is challenging to find real world examples that are accessible
for classroom use. Simple examples such as the bridges of Königsberg
are theoretically important, but do not give students a sense of the
scale and applicability of the subject. One large network is easily
accessible through the Internet Movie Database, which documents
some 260,000 films and 700,000 actors, and The Oracle of Bacon
at Virginia, which searches the IMDb to find connections between actors.
We will use these sites to better understand this 'cinema network.'
Along the way, we'll have a nice application of weighted averages. Be
thinking of obscure actors.
Using Mathematical Modeling to Engage Students: Richard Jennings
Download handouts
(large Word .doc file)
Participants will experience modeling using two examples. The first
is in
the context of animation using the TI-## calculators as a way to introduce
linear motion as well as matrices. The second is an introduction to
quadratic relationships using a context of blood testing for steroids.
Participants will also be introduced to the international high school
contest in modeling.
Enhance Student Learning with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint: Gary
Kovacs
Using technology as a tool and not a separate subject, we can enhance
student learning with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint through the use of
SchoolKit. You will see a demonstration on how to use Word and
PowerPoint to make a very effective Math Review Game similar to Jeopardy.
We will also be doing two hands-on activities on relative frequency
and probability that demonstrate the power of Excel.
Do Calculators and Computers Lie? Joe Frost
We'll see some applications of computer mathematics illustrating topics
from Arithmetic to Calculus. Computer Mathematics is different from
human mathematics and sometimes the calculator lies.
Projects using Tetra-Tetra-Flexagons: Joyce Frost
Hands-on activity: Learn how to easily make student created application
problems more fun for all as they show them off on their cool tetra-tetra-flexagons.
