MAA Sessions for High School Students and Teachers

How to Think Brilliantly and Creatively in Mathematics: A Guide for K-12 Educators and Their Students, Saturday, January 9, 8:00 – 8:50 am., organized by Deanna Haunsperger, Carleton College. Speaker is James Tanton, MAA. This lecture is a guide for thinking brilliantly and creatively in mathematics for K-12 educators, their students, and all seeking joyful mathematics doing. How do we model and practice uncluttered thinking and joyous doing in the classroom? Pursue deep understanding over rote practice and memorization? Develop the art of successful flailing? Our complex society demands of its next generation not only mastery of quantitative skills, but also the confidence to ask new questions, explore, wonder, flail, persevere, innovate, and succeed. Let's not only send humans to Mars, let's teach our next generation to solve problems and get those humans back if something goes wrong! In this talk, James Tanton will explore five natural principles of mathematical thinking. We will all have fun seeing how school mathematical content is the vehicle for ingenuity and joy. All are so welcome to attend! Sponsored by MAA Council on Outreach

High School Quadratics: How to Think About and Do Everything About Them Brilliantly and Creatively, Saturday, January 9, 9:15 – 10:45 am, organized by Deanna Haunsperger, Carleton College. Presenter is James Tanton, MAA. James Tanton will now put brilliant and creative thinking practices into an actual high-school topic: the study of quadratics in algebra II. Let’s see how to bring the light of ease and joyful doing into this standard classroom unit. By letting go of a focus on jargon and memorization we can effectively help our students develop the confidence to “nut their way” through questions and challenges, to engage in problem solving, and to develop the confidence to persevere. We can teach our students to be confident and agile thinkers and still master the curriculum content they are required to know. This workshop will model the presentation of the entire standard quadratics content, illustrating how doing less leads to more! Sponsored by MAA Council on Outreach

Math Circle Demonstration, Saturday, January 9, 11:00 – 11:50 am, organized by Zvezdelina Stankova, Mills College, Berkeley Math Circle Director; Tatiana Shubi, San Jose State University; and Paul Zeitz, University of San Francisco. Presenter is Zvezdelina Stankova. 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. Sponsored by SIGMAA MCST

Math Wrangle, Saturday, January 9, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, organized by Mark Saul, American Math Competitions, and Ed Keppelmann, University of Nevada Reno. 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 the Joint Math Meetings 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. Sponsored by SIGMAA-MCST and American Mathematics Competitions