KMAA 2007
Organizing Committee: |
AbstractsSpeaker: Mark Arrasmith Wichita State University Title: Measure and the Geometry of Fractals Abstract: A quick walk through a generalization of measuring objects to gain an understanding of what makes a geometric object "fractal" in nature. Specifically this talk starts with the unit square and Integers and end with the Hausdorff measure and Hausdorff dimension. Speaker: Kevin Charlwood Washburn University Title: Mathematics Assessment at Washburn University Abstract: Over the past 5 years, Washburn has become heavily involved in assessment of its various programs and degrees. In the department of Mathematics & Statistics in particular, we have been doing pre- and post-testing of students in our Calculus sequence, giving common questions on our final exams in Exploring Math and College Algebra, and giving the MFAT to our majors. This talk will focus on our overall assessment plan, and feature examples of test questions we have used in this process. Speaker: Karla Childs Pittsburg State University Title: The Relationship between a GTA Professional Development Program and Academic Performance of College Algebra Students Abstract: This longitudinal study examined the relationship between level of GTA instructional expertise, amount of GTA teaching experience, and academic performance of their college algebra students measured by course grades. College algebra grades for all students in classes taught by GTAs over six years and 43 sections were analyzed. The most salient result of the study pertained to withdraws from college algebra. Speaker: Kyle Claassen Bethel College Title: An Exploration of Mathematics Magazine Problem 1765 Abstract: This problem in the February edition of Mathematics Magazine proposes an interesting transformation of an object in 3-space involving repeated translation and rotation about an arbitrary axis. Geometric and algebraic insights will be discussed while deriving the surprisingly simple final position and orientation of the object. Speaker: Uwe Conrad Cowley College Title: Add Game Show Excitement to your classroom with CPS Challenging Boards Abstract: Have you ever had a class that was a "lack of participation nightmare"? Engage and involve your students with CPS Challenging Boards by adding the spirit of friendly competition to the classroom environment. Speaker: Sarah Cook Washburn University Title: Math Placement: Problems and Progress Abstract: This year Washburn began a new placement procedure for lower level courses. This session will discuss the implementation of the procedure. The benefits and pitfalls of the placement system will be discussed as well as possible changes for the future. There will be time at the end of the session for an open exchange of ideas on placement. Speaker: Christopher Earles Bethel College Title: A Brief Look at Judgment Aggregation Abstract: The usual study of voting theory addresses the issue of selecting one candidate from a list of many based on the individual preferences of the voters. Judgment aggregation, a recent extension of voting theory, raises the question of deciding on several interconnected propositions based on the individual beliefs of the voters on those same propositions. Propositionwise majority voting fails in some simple examples. Some alternative methods which always guarantee a consistent result will be presented. Speaker: Robert Finn Stanford University Title: Floating bodies subject to capillary attractions Abstract: In a 1992 paper, Raphael, diMeglio, Berger and Calabi showed that an infinite convex cylinder placed horizontally on the surface of an infinite liquid bath admits at least four orientations of its cross-section, such that it will float horizontally with prescribed contact angle \gamma, in zero gravity (i.e., be in energy equilibrium). For example, an elliptical cylinder can in general be made to float in exactly four orientations; it will however float in every orientation if the ellipse is a circle. The present work addresses the question as to the most general section for which the cylinder will float in every orientation. For the particular choice \gamma = \pi/2 it is shown that in addition to the circle there is a continuum of distinct such sections. For general contact angle \gamma, non-trivial sections are constructed for which the cylinder will float in a range \pi of distinct orientations. On the other hand, if a compact three-dimensional body will float in every orientation in a horizontal bath with \gamma = \pi/2, then it must be a round metric ball. Several related theorems are also established. If a smooth convex body is endowed with a range of contact angles such that it will float in a horizontal bath following any vertical translation that leaves it partially immersed, then the body is rotationally symmetric about a vertical axis. If it has that property with respect to two distinct such axes, then it is a round ball. Speaker: Robert Finn Stanford University Title: Undergraduate Research at Stanford University Abstract: I will describe my experiences finding (and funding!) strongly motivated undergraduates to participate actively in mathematics reseaech projects, and describe in outline some of the contributions produced by the students. While producing their research, all the students were also committed to heavy loads of course work, occasionally consisting chiefly of graduate courses. Speaker: Luke Henke Pittsburg State University Title: Evariste Galois and His Mathematical Contributions Abstract: Biographical information regarding one of the most intriguing characters in mathematical history. Also a brief discussion of the mathematics that he introduced that years later would eventually become abstract algebra. Speaker: William Ingle Wichita State University Title: Boundary Condition Determination from a Finite Number of Observations Abstract: We investigate the problem of recovering the boundary condition of the third kind for the Laplace operator defined on a simply connected domain in the complex plane, when the value of the solution u and its gradient are known only for a finite number of interior points. Using a technique based on a priori weighted estimates of Carleman type, we obtain a stability estimate as well. Applications of this problem include problems in which the boundary is inaccessible to direct observation. Speaker: Ananda Jayawardhana Pittsburg State University Title: Using Probability and Statistics to Learn History of Mathematics Abstract: In probability and statistics students learn about different distributions names after famous mathematicians and use techniques popularize by famous mathematicians. As a mid semester paper one can encourage students to write a paper about one of these mathematicians starting from a homework problem or a topic out of the course. When they eventually take history of mathematics they already have some training in research in history of mathematics. Speaker: Thalia Jeffres Wichita State University Title: Evolution of Surfaces by Curvature Abstract: A family of surfaces in Euclidean space is said to evolve by curvature if at each moment every point moves in the normal direction at a rate proportional to the curvature. The resolution of these problems requires advanced techniques and is currently an area of intense investigation at the research level. And yet, the basic idea is highly intuitive and the geometry of these surfaces can be described easily. Speaker: Amy L. Kim University of Kansas Title: Transitioning in Mathematics from High School to College: How well is Kansas Doing? Abstract: In this talk we will compare and summarize recent studies of the transition from high school to college. We will concentrate in Kansas and other relevant and neighboring states. We will consider high school math course combinations, ACT exams, AP Calculus and the highest level of mathematics taken in high school. For example, we will look at how well AP Calculus students are performing compared with other groups of students in college from different national and international exams. Speaker: Rebecca Lomshek Pittsburg State University Title: What on Earth!!?? Abstract: Why I decided to get a Master's in Mathematics to become a better artist. Speaker: Kenneth G. Miller Wichita State University Title: Axisymmetric Vortex Flows Abstract: Steady axisymmetric flows with vorticity, such as vortex rings, will be described, including flows with swirl. Both a numerical method for computing such flows and an existence theorem will be discussed. Speaker: Pat Mower Washburn University Title: Common Finals: Pro and Con Abstract: This 15 minute talk would deal with the use of common finals for our entry level math courses: College Algebra and Exploring Mathematics. As an outgrowth of a larger discussion with my colleagues, we have implemented a common final for each course, with a particular score necessary for the student to pass the course. Of course, there are many good reasons for this and just as many negative. Speaker: Craig Refugio Jose Rizal Memorial State College, Dapitan City, Philippines and Junction City High School Title: Software Packages used by Agricultural Researchers in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines: Its Impact to Quality Statistical Analysis Abstract: This study identified the software packages (e.g. SPSS, STATISTICA, ...) used by agricultural researchers in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, how these software packages are being chosen and determined the impact of these software packages to quality statistical analyses. Speaker: Michael Reynolds McPherson College Title: Diophantus: The Last Great Mathematician of Classical Antiquity Abstract: This talk will present a brief summary of the life and accomplishments of Diophantus, known as the "Father of Algebra". This is based on a lecture included in a recent History of Mathematics course. I prepared the lecture after learning that my students were essentially ignorant of his contributions to mathematics (with the exception of a few who could associate him with Diophantine Equations, and knew nothing else of his work). This talk is intended for a general audience. Speaker: Mohammad Riazi-Kermani Fort Hays State University Title: Solving Sudoku Puzzles With Dot Star Method Abstract: This simple algorithm will transform the challenging Sudoko puzzles into a game of patterns with dots and stars. We utilize permutations of two, three and more to pinpoint the unique number which belongs to each square. We can write a computer program to solve Sudoku puzzles based on this algorithm or simply take a pencil and start playing the game. Even the ultimate challenge Sudoku puzzles will be solved in short time provided that there is a unique solution. Those who like prime numbers may use this algorithm with primorials ( factorial with primes ) instead of dot matrices. Those who prefer binary presentations may use bit matrices instead with a slight alteration of the format. Speaker: Angela Steele Pittsburg State University Title: Abstract Algebra and the RSA System Abstract: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory are wide areas of study in Mathematics, but their applications aren't often obvious. However, these concepts are important in many areas, including cryptology. The focus of this presentation is the math behind public-key cryptology, in particular the RSA system. Speaker: Steven J. Wilson Johnson County Community College Title: Exploring Quartic Plane Curves with Excel Abstract: Graphs of the general fourth degree polynomial equation in two variables will be demonstrated with Excel. The mathematical solution of the problem will be quickly outlined, and issues arising in the implementation of the solution in a computational setting will be shared. Speaker: Bobby Winters Pittsburg State University Title: Using video in the teaching of online mathematics Abstract: A short discussion of uses of Flash, video editing software, and WinCam Producer in the teaching of mathematics online. Speaker: Christian Wolf Wichita State University Title: Natural invariant measures for dynamical systems with some hyperbolicity Abstract. In this talk I will introduce generalized physical for hyperbolic and parabolic dynamical systems. These measures are associated with the "typical" dynamics of the underlying dynamical system. I will then present some recent results concerning the existence, uniqueness and characterization of these measures. Even though the presented material is technical in nature, I will highlight ideas rather than technical details in order to make the talk accessible to a general audience. Speaker: Cynthia Woodburn Pittsburg State University Title: Movie Mathematics Abstract: Tony DeRose, Pixar Animation senior scientist, gave an excellent address at this year's Joint Mathematics Meetings on ways that mathematics is used in the process of producing an animated movie. This talk will be a report on his presentation including a demonstration of the software used in animating Pixar films. Speaker: Hongbiao Zeng Fort Hays State University Title: An Enhanced Math Game Abstract: One of the math games presented in JMM 2007 has been enhanced. A better GUI is provided. |