Precalculus:

Cardan’s Formula for Solving Cubic Equations

Graph Theory to Enhance Algebra and Precalculus
Let Them Eat Cake! (Modeling Functions and Finding Area)

Calculus:

Calculus Labs for Cooperative Learning
The First Five Days of Calculus (Or the Last Five of Precalc)
Rational Functions and the TI-89: Perfect Together

Algebra & Geometry:

Exploring Indirect and Detour Proofs in Geometry
Real World Algebra
A Recipe for a Whole New Way to Teach Algebra

Discrete Mathematics:

Computer Science Algorithm Games
Graphs and Games: What Do They Have in Common Besides Their First Letter?
The Handshake Problem and Pascal’s Triangle
Sierpinski’s Triangle and Pyramid

Statistics:

Leaping Frogs, Popsicles & Gummi Bears: Modeling Through Data
M&M’s and Decay (Not Tooth Decay)

Applications:

Connecting Mathematics to the Real World
How CAN We Do Better? (Making Better Cans)
Traffic Jams

Assessment:

More Project Ideas for Algebra and Geometry
Projects On and Off Topic for Precalculus and More

General:

The Sixth Sense: Number Sense
Using Power Point to Present Precalculus Lessons Clearly and Efficiently
What Precalculus Teachers Really Need to Know!
WOW! It Can Do This? (The TI-8x)

Mathematics and Technology:

Exploring Precalculus with Geometer’s Sketchpad
Integrating Technology in the Precalculus Classroom
Mathematics with Creative Designs
Math Tools: A Digital Library and Community Hosted by The Math Forum

 

Following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, many scientists looked for ways to contribute to defense against terrorism. Surprisingly, mathematicians found they had a lot to offer. This talk will give some examples of how mathematics, statistics, and computer science are contributing to homeland security.

Fred Roberts is a Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University. He is director of the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS), a consortium of Rutgers and Princeton Universities, AT&T Labs, Bell Labs, NEC Laboratories America, and Telcordia Technologies, with partners at Avaya Labs, HP Labs, IBM Research, and Microsoft Research. He has been asked by Rutgers to coordinate all homeland security research on the campus. Professor Roberts has published widely on the uses of mathematics in such diverse areas as biology, psychology, transportation, communication, and energy use, and recently has been working on mathematical modeling in the defense against bioterrorism. He has also been active in the development of programs bringing new mathematical ideas to high school teachers and students. His awards include the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Centers Pioneer Award and, most recently, the Gold Medal of the Czech Union of Mathematicians and Physicists.

Informal discussions of the following topics:

• A - WHAT TO KEEP AND WHAT TO LEAVE OUT AT GRADES 9-10
• B - WHAT TO KEEP AND WHAT TO LEAVE OUT AT GRADES 11-12
• C - GETTING YOUR FEET WET — FOR NEW TEACHERS
• D - ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT IN CALCULUS AND PRECALCULUS CLASSES
• E - PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE HSPA
• F - HOW DO WE TEST FOR UNDERSTANDING?
• G - STRATEGIES FOR UNDOING COMMON STUDENT MISTAKES
• H - WHEN TO USE AND WHEN NOT TO USE A CALCULATOR
• I - TEXTBOOK SELECTION FOR PRECALCULUS CLASSES

Bring your experiences, materials, and ideas to share.