MAA Sessions of Interest to High School Students and Teachers
Here are a few events that are directed specifically at the interests of HS teachers, but we believe that HS teachers and students will find many of the other JMM events to be of interest as well.
Insights from MAA studies of College Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus, organized by David Bressoud, Macalester College, and Marilyn Carlson, Arizona State University; Friday, 9:35–10:55 am. The MAA has been running two large NSF-sponsored studies of introductory undergraduate mathematics: Using Research to Shape Instruction and Placement in Algebra and Precalculus (URSIP) and Progress through Calculus (PtC). The latter builds on the findings of Characteristics of Successful Programs in College Calculus to provide tools for departments to improve the precalculus through calculus sequence. It also is studying the obstacles and affordances to the implementation of beneficial changes. This panel will consist of researchers from these two projects summarizing their most significant findings and seeking feedback from the audience for future directions. Panelists are: Jess Ellis, Colorado State University; Bernie Madison, University of Arkansas; Chris Rasmussen, San Diego State University; and Michael Tallman, Oklahoma State University.
Weird Ways to Multiply (and Isn’t the Spelling of “Weird” Weird?), organized by Deanna Haunsperger, Carleton College; Saturday,10:00–10:50 am. Presenter, James Tanton, MAA, will share a whole slew of strange and wild techniques for performing multiplication. Will you be able to figure out why these crazy techniques work? This interactive lecture welcomes students of all ages, and teachers, parents, mathematicians, and math enthusiasts of all ages. Sponsored by the MAA Council on Outreach.
The Impact of High School Calculus on the Transition to College Mathematics, organized by David Bressoud, Macalester College, and Brendan Murphy, John Bapst High School; Saturday, 10:35–11:55 am. Three-quarters of the students who begin calculus each year do so in high school. Roughly half of all students who matriculate as full-time undergraduates in a four-year program have completed a calculus course before leaving high school. The MAA, NCTM, and College Board are all concerned about differences between students who have and those who have not had access to calculus in high school, particularly the effects on both students’ interest in taking and the success experienced in college mathematics courses. This panel will report on what we know about the effects of this “rush to calculus” and discuss what we might need to know and how such information can be gathered. Panelists are: Vilma Mesa, University of Michigan; Dixie Ross, Pflugerville High School; Philip Sadler, Harvard University; and Bill Trapp, The College Board. This panel is sponsored by the College Board/MAA Joint Committee on Mutual Concerns.
Math Circle Demonstration, organized by Gabriella Pinter, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Tatiana Shubin, San Jose State University; and Bob Klein, Ohio University; Saturday, 11:00–11:55 am. 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. The sponsor for this demonstration is SIGMAA MCST.
Math Wrangle, organized by Ed Keppelmann, University of Nevada Reno and Paul Zeitz, University of San Francisco; Saturday, 1:00–2:30 pm. 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. Sponsors for this event is SIGMAA-MCST.