2008 Program

2008 Abstracts

2008 Sharing Sessions

2008 Schedule
  (Get PDF Reader)

2008 Registration Form

Precalculus:

Different Models of the Function Concept
Teaching Precalculus Using TI-Nspire
Very Strange Ellipses and Hyperbolas
The X, Y, Z’s of Teaching Precalculus

Calculus:

A Calculus Problem for the Algebra I Classroom
Help Students Learn Calculus by Creating Problems
How Fast is Your Shadow?
Teaching Calculus Using TI-Nspire

Algebra & Geometry:

How Geometer’s Sketchpad Has Changed Our Classrooms
Ideas and Activities to Enhance the Learning of Geometry
The Jinx Puzzle, Measuring the Earth, Shooting Globs, and Other Classroom Adventures
Using Cabri Jr. APP in Algebra and Geometry

Discrete Mathematics:

Finding the Best Network, Path, and Circuit
Systematic Counting: How to Count without Using the “F” Word
There’s Math in Them There Codes

Probability & Statistics:

The Mathematics and Statistics of Polling and Predicting Election Results
“Probably” A Few of My Favorite Things
Statistical Simulations for the Calculator-Challenged

Applications:

Building Conway’s Pencil Models
Calculus and the Economics of Baseball
Growing a Geometric Garden
Using Web-Based Activities to Teach Earth Algebra (lab)

Assessment:

Creative Projects for the “Pre”-Calculus Classroom
The SAT as a Means to Mathematical Communication
2008 Revisions to the NJ CCCS in Mathematics

General:

Empowering Students Who Ask “When Will We Ever Use this Math?”
Mix It Up – Review Many Topics Simultaneoulsy
The On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences
TAPPED IN – Online Environment for Teacher Professional Development (lab)

Mathematics and Technology:

The Art of Transforming Functions
The Smarts on the SMART Board (lab)
Spreadsheets for Algebra and Precalculus (lab)
Visual Mathematics

Peter Winkler, Dartmouth College

Two well-known weaknesses of high school math are 1) that it's old, and 2) that it's known. Here's a suggestion: to keep kids who wish to pursue the new and unknown from phasing out in math class, try using mathematical puzzles.

Puzzles come in many varieties: simple questions with surprising answers; questions which seem to be hard to answer, but turn out to be easy; questions which seem easy, but no one knows the answer. Examples of each will be provided, and some ideas on how to get students engaged in trying to solve them.

Peter Winkler is professor of mathematics and computer science, and Albert Bradley Third Century Professor in the Sciences, at Dartmouth. His specialties include discrete mathematics, probability, the theory of computing, and their applications. Prior to joining Dartmouth in 2004, he directed the mathematical research groups at Bellcore (now Telcordia Technologies) and Bell Labs (now part of Alcatel-Lucent) for 15 years. He is the author of "Mathematical Puzzles: A Connoisseur's Collection" (AK Peters Ltd, 2004) and "Mathematical Mind-Benders" (2007), each of which contains easily explained puzzles whose solutions involve creative reasoning.

Informal discussions of the following topics:

• A - What to Keep and What to Leave Out of Algebra & Geometry
• B - What to Keep and What to Leave Out of Calculus & Precalculus
• C - Veterans Share with Newer Teachers How to Survive
• D - Alternative Assessment in Algebra & Geometry
• E - Alternative Assessment in Calculus & Precalculus
• F - What Are the Characteristics of a Good Precalculus Exam?
• G - Strategies for Undoing Common Student Mistakes
• H - Preparing High School Students for College Math

Bring your experiences and at least one idea to share!