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2013 Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology

Welcome to the 29th Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology being held June 23 - June 28, 2013 at Phillips Exeter Academy. If this is your first time to the campus, get to know the campus by visiting our interactive map. You can find your dorm by using the buiding filters. (Your conference welcome letter let you know what dorm you have been assigned.)

Using the daily schedule below, you can select your course period, featured speakers and meals that you will be attending by clicking on the "star". Each Conference within a Conference (CWIC) session is listed. You can attend as many CWIC sessions as time allows. Just check the sessions you are interested in attending. Your individual schedule will be created. You can print it or push it to a mobile device.

We look forward to meeting you this upcoming weekend.

10:00am EDT

Help for Beginning Users of TI - 84 calculators

This drop-in session will provide a brief introduction to some of the features of TI calculators. There will be calculators available for loan.

Leaders

Ken Collins

Charlotte Latin School

Ken has a B.S. in physics and M.S. in math from BPI/NYU and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has taught for forty seven years in middle school through graduate school. His focus is on effective use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. He teaches calculus, precalculus... Read More →

Sunday June 23, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The Forum

10:00am EDT

Help for Beginning Users of TI-Nspire

This drop-in session will provide some introductory instruction on how to use several features of the TI-Nspire device. There will be Nspire devices for loan.

Leaders

Ken Collins

Charlotte Latin School

Ken has a B.S. in physics and M.S. in math from BPI/NYU and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has taught for forty seven years in middle school through graduate school. His focus is on effective use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. He teaches calculus, precalculus... Read More →

Sunday June 23, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

8:15am EDT

Margin of Error: How Do They Do That?

In this session participants will carry out a simulation that will show how polling organizations (like Gallup or the New York Times) are able to determine the margin of error when they estimate a proportion like "the percentage of Americans who favor background checks for gun purchases." This session is designed for teachers who DO NOT KNOW Statistics.

Leaders

Julie Graves

Monday June 24, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
The Forum

8:15am EDT

The Geometry of Mobius Transformations

A simple non-Euclidean geometry is explored via the use of Complex Numbers. A pre-calculus exercise with complex numbers show us a beautiful picture of stereographic projection of the Riemann Sphere. This short talk explains the math behind the Youtube video "Mobius Tranformations Revealed".

Leaders

Jeff Ibbotson

Instructor of Mathematics, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics

Monday June 24, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

9:15am EDT

Is f increasing at x=3?

Many folks assert that functions cannot increase "at a point". However, we calculus teachers continue to ask a variation of the question, "Is f increasing at 3?" without talking about what we mean. How can we assert that a function cannot increase at a point and then ask our students that very question. For some examples of calculus teachers asking such questions, see the 2013 Free Response questions which can be found at AP Central. This year questions AB/BC 12 and AB 2d asked if a function was increasing or decreasing at a point. I will posit a definition of "increasing at a point"and explore its ramifications.

Leaders

Doug Kuhlmann

Doug has been teaching in secondary boarding schools for 38 years, the last 29 at Philips Academy. He received his B.S. in math from St. Louis U. in 1968, and his Ph.D. from Northwestern in 1978. He enjoys learning and teaching mathematics and is particularly interested in using GeoGebra... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Repeating decimals, magic squares and conic sections

We will begin by using technology to examine the period of the decimal expansion of fractions of the form 1/n, where n is a positive integer. We will establish some rules that can be used to predict the period without having to convert the fraction to decimal form. Our analysis will lead to a natural connection between certain fractions of the form 1/n and magic squares. We will end our exploration with a seemingly bizarre and stunning appearance of an ellipse and a hyperbola created from certain fractions.

Leaders

Ron Lancaster

Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

Ron is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) where he taught mathematics courses for pre-service middle and high school teachers for 17 years. Prior to that Ron taught middle and high school mathematics... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Electric Vehicle Mathematics

With rising gas prices and growing environmental concerns, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity in the U.S. In this talk we'll look at some simple mathematics related to operation of electric vehicles. How does the Prius manage multiple motive power sources? What is an "MPG"? How can we assess how much and how efficiently an EV uses energy? We'll try to answer these and other questions, using mathematics ranging from simple ratios to integral calculus.

Leaders

Philip Rash

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM - Durham

Philip Rash has been a member of the NCSSM Mathematics faculty since 2004. A North Carolina native, he earned B.S., B.S.Ed., and M.A.Ed. degrees in Western NC, and has high school and university teaching experience prior to NCSSM. At NCSSM, Philip teaches calculus, statistics, and... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Using Videos to Capture Data

We can use data collected from videos to help our students explore and make sense of important mathematical topics, including parametric equations, trigonometric functions and related rates problems. In this session, I will demonstrate how to capture the data using LoggerPro and share resources including the movie files and data in various formats.

Leaders

Mariá Hernandez

Mathematics Consultant, Advisory Board, Advisory Board, COMAP, NCTM/SIAM/COMAP Joint Committee on Modeling Across the Curriculum, the Mathkind Education Trust

With over 30 year of teaching experience, Maria has developed curricula for high school students in various mathematics courses. She has led teacher collaborations via distance learning and has taught workshops for courses ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus, Complex Systems and... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

Fibonacci Galore

I will present some of Jim Tantonâ's beautiful geometric realizations of some very surprising trigonometric identities involving Fibonacci numbers.

Leaders

Philip Mallinson

Instructor of Mathematics Emeritus, Phillips Exeter Academy, Retired

I'm Philip Mallinson. I retired from Phillips Exeter in 2015 where I taught all levels of math and AP Statistics. I have taught in Outward Bound schools in England and Colorado (1966-1970 (not math)) math in Stowe, Vermont (1970-77), Seattle (1980-94) and Exeter (1994-2015). My first... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

11:30am EDT

Parabolic Art with Desmos

This hands-on session will feature an activity designed for students to demonstrate a solid understanding of transformations of quadratic functions while being creative. Using Desmos, the fantastic and free, on-line graphing software, you will create your own artwork using only parabolas. Bring along your laptop or tablet and see what you can create!

Leaders

Mary Bourassa

West Carleton Secondary School, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Mary currently teaches mathematics at West Carleton Secondary School in rural Ottawa, Canada. She is a strong advocate of the appropriate use of technology in the classroom and is a Desmos Fellow. She has presented workshops across Canada, the US and Australia. She has also been involved... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Forum

1:45pm EDT

Flatland-The Movie

Edwin A. Abbot's geometry classic Flatland has been made into a movie that can be shown in any geometry classroom. It is well done and contains a lot of nice mathematics. Tom Banchoff's classic video, "Slicing The Hypercub", will also be shown.

Leaders

Jonathan Choate

Groton School, Groton, MA

Jonathan has taught mathematics at Groton School since 1966. He is the co-author of The Dynamics Toolkit, four books covering topics in fractal geometry and chaos theory. He has served on both NCTM's Algebra and Discrete Mathematics Task Forces. His column, Geometer's Corner, is a... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Forum

1:45pm EDT

Mathematics and Fair Voting

Voting issues have become a hot topic. What are some techniques that are used to "unfairly" affect the outcome? In a multicandidate race, how can we use mathematics to help election outcomes reflect the "will of the people"?

Leaders

Ken Collins

Charlotte Latin School

Ken has a B.S. in physics and M.S. in math from BPI/NYU and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has taught for forty seven years in middle school through graduate school. His focus is on effective use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. He teaches calculus, precalculus... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

2:45pm EDT

The Box Problem

Remember trying to create a box of maximum volume from a single sheet of paper? Come and see some twists on this problem that really makes it exciting.

Leaders

Dan Butler

Mathematics Teacher, Mounds View High School, Arden Hills, MN

Dan has taught mathematics for twenty-seven years; 9 years in middle school and 18 years in high school. In addition, he teaches an enriched and accelerated course for middle school students at the University of Minnesota. He has been involved in professional development workshops... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

2:45pm EDT

Why pi is wrong. Celebrate tau day on June 28.

A few mathematicians are realizing that pi is wrong. Not incorrect, mind you, but the real constant should not be the circumference of a circle divided by the diameter but the circumference divided by the radius. This is tau. Hear how I introduced the unit circle in trig class using tau and discover the advantages.

Leaders

Doug Kuhlmann

Doug has been teaching in secondary boarding schools for 38 years, the last 29 at Philips Academy. He received his B.S. in math from St. Louis U. in 1968, and his Ph.D. from Northwestern in 1978. He enjoys learning and teaching mathematics and is particularly interested in using GeoGebra... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Forum

3:45pm EDT

Folded Quadratics: The Poor Person's Fermat's last Theorem?

First of all, you're folding the quadratic algebraically, not geometrically. If that's not enough to whet your appetite, then you are clearly not the kid who stood in a corner at a school dance. But come anyway, you could probably use the rest after all that dancing. The talk is divided into two parts: Part 1: A concrete, very specific example, of what we're doing and what will get (some) kids saying: NO WAY! Part 2: We generalize the concrete example in order to see why it works. To which everyone says: No way. You won't find this anywhere else!

Leaders

Ira Nirenberg

Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA (retired)

Ira worked for Shell Oil as a geophysicist for six years prior to entering the teaching field. From 1985 to 2005 he taught at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, LA. 2006-2007 academic year was spent at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Lusher High School in 2009... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

3:45pm EDT

The Gini Index for Income Inequity

When the "Occupy" movement talks about income inequity in the US, what are they referring to? This session looks at the Gini Index, a commonly used index for income inequity (or inequity of the distribution of any resource) in a society. The derivation of the Gini Index uses simple concepts from data analysis and integral calculus & the area of a region bounded by a curve.

Leaders

Kevin Bartkovich

Instructor of Mathematics, Conference Director, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics

Monday June 24, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
The Forum

3:45pm EDT

Using an Online Collaboration App in Problem-Based Learning: An iPad Pilot

Come hear about my experience this past year using an online collaborative multimedia app called Voicethread in which I had students discuss their problem-solving attempts and successes. For 10 weeks my geometry class has iPads and we found different ways to communicate our problem-solving techniques to enhance the discussion in our problem-based curriculum into the homework hours thus making the most of their out-of-class time as well. Student evaluations of the program, pros and cons of the outcomes and other apps that were used will be discussed as well.

Leaders

Carmel Schettino

Senior Academic Advisor for Mathematics, Avenues: The World School

With Problem-Based Learning as her specialization, Carmel obtained a Ph.D. in Math Education while teaching at the secondary level for many years. She is passionate about helping teachers grapple with the pedagogical and curricular questions that rise when PBL is brought into the... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

4:45pm EDT

Exeter Math in your Classroom

Many teachers attending the conference love Exeter's problem-based math curriculum, but have questions like: How do I use it in a class of 30 / with students of differing ability / in a middle school / with my state's standardized curriculum / despite irate parents, etc. This will be a discussion where those who have used the curriculum will share their experiences and strategies.

Leaders

Diana Davis

Instructor of Mathematics, Phillips Exeter Academy

Diana teaches math, coaches girls’ cross country and is a dorm head at PEA. She previously created and taught problem-centered, discussion-based math classes at Northwestern University, Williams College and Swarthmore College. Outside of teaching and pedagogy, she does research... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

4:45pm EDT

Starting a Research Program for your Students

Do you have students interested in a research project in mathematics, but feel uncomfortable with your ability to support their work? Join a group of high school teachers from across the US working together to create research opportunities for their top students. This session will present several research problems and discuss implementation issues.

Leaders

Dan Teague

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

I have been on the faculty at NCSSM since 1982 and teaching mathematical modeling since 1986. I was the lead author of the high school chapter of the GAIMME report and served on the committee that created the AP Statistics course (Problem #6 was my contribution). I have represented... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

4:45pm EDT

The iPad as a Dynamic Math Learning and Teaching Tool

FluidMath is an iPad app that recognizes mathematics you write with your finger or stylus. Write an equation like y-3=2(x+1) and with a flick of the wrist you have a graph and table. FluidMath recognizes and graphs inequalities, systems of equations, implicitly defined functions, relations (like conic sections), polar functions, and discrete functions (like the Fibonacci Sequence). FluidMath incorporates a full CAS (Computer Algebra System) so it evaluates expressions and solves equations. You have to see it to believe it!

Leaders

Nils Ahbel

Deefield Academy

Nils studied Mechanical Engineering and then earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1984, with a concentration in Microeconomics. Following graduate school he worked in Germany as a project engineer for five years and then, searching for his passion he returned to the US... Read More →

Monday June 24, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Forum

8:15am EDT

Enhancing Calculus and Pre-Calculus with Geometer's Sketchpad 5

Geometer's Sketchpad is a powerful cross platform software that can be utilized to allow students to visualize important concepts in calculus and pre-calculus. There will be a brief discussion of some of the useful techniques for using Sketchpad, and a demonstration of how it can be used with related rates, extreme value, graphing, applications of integration and important pre-calculus topics. A CD of completed sketches will be given to anyone in attendance.

Leaders

Bob McCully

Falmouth high School

Tuesday June 25, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

8:15am EDT

Miles per Gallon vs. Gallons per Mile

Which measure is more helpful in determining fuel efficiency and savings in carbon emissions? What illusions are created by the MPG rating? And how do they come up with those overall MPG averages for vehicles? Why is there a move afoot to require car manufacturers to post on the new car sticker a measure such as gallons per thousand miles? These and other questions will be investigated in this session which uses mathematics accessible at the first and second year algebra level.

Leaders

Kevin Bartkovich

Instructor of Mathematics, Conference Director, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics

Tuesday June 25, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Exploring the Harmonic Mean

We often overlook the Harmonic Mean paying more attention to the arithmetic mean and the geometric mean. Let me show why I think it deserves better!

Leaders

Ira Nirenberg

Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA (retired)

Ira worked for Shell Oil as a geophysicist for six years prior to entering the teaching field. From 1985 to 2005 he taught at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, LA. 2006-2007 academic year was spent at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Lusher High School in 2009... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Exploring the Harmonic Mean

We often overlook the Harmonic Mean paying more attention to the arithmetic mean and the geometric mean. Let me show why I think it deserves better!

Leaders

Ira Nirenberg

Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA (retired)

Ira worked for Shell Oil as a geophysicist for six years prior to entering the teaching field. From 1985 to 2005 he taught at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, LA. 2006-2007 academic year was spent at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Lusher High School in 2009... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

My Favorite iPad Apps for Math -- Investigation, Instruction, Presentation

See how to use the iPad as an investigation tool for students using over 100 free pre-created activities. How students can use it as a graphing calculator and teachers use it as a demonstration device. Apps to wirelessly project your iPad screen and how to control your computer desktop with your iPad. And PEZ!

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Learning Styles in the Math Classroom

We know that everyone has a different learning style such as left brain, right brain, auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. To connect more effectively with all of our students we need to be able to teach in all of these modes. Many teachers teach in different modes, but presenting ideas to students becomes so much more powerful when the teacher choses the mode more deliberately based on the student's learning style. But... how do we recognize the learning style of an individual student? How can we present material more effectively by addressing each of these modalities? What is the result when a teacher is not aware of his/her own learning style? Drawing from his experience in the classroom, Nils will share his answers to these questions. He will also "teach"mini-lessons with the same content, addressing drastically different modalities of learning.

Leaders

Nils Ahbel

Deefield Academy

Nils studied Mechanical Engineering and then earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1984, with a concentration in Microeconomics. Following graduate school he worked in Germany as a project engineer for five years and then, searching for his passion he returned to the US... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

What’s an English Teacher doing in a Math Classroom?

This session provides a concrete example of how both English and mathematics can achieve quality learning using and integrated approach in the analysis of what initially appears to be an “English Only” resource.

Leaders

Ray Williams

Ray has been a teacher of mathematics and science for the past 40 years and is currently the Head of Mathematics at St Mark's Anglican Community School in Perth, Western Australia. St Mark's mathematics classrooms all have TI-Nspire Navigator Wireless Networks and wireless data projection... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

Flatland2: Sphereland-The Movie

Flatland2 is a follow up to the movie Flatland and continues the story line developed in the first movie.Like the first movie the animation is terrific and does a good job of introducing the idea of a higher dimension.

Leaders

Jonathan Choate

Groton School, Groton, MA

Jonathan has taught mathematics at Groton School since 1966. He is the co-author of The Dynamics Toolkit, four books covering topics in fractal geometry and chaos theory. He has served on both NCTM's Algebra and Discrete Mathematics Task Forces. His column, Geometer's Corner, is a... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

Scaffolding and PBL: Making the Most of Problems for Your Students

In what ways do students need support in a PBL curriculum? Whether project or problem-based, some students think they require the structure of direct instruction no matter what you say. Convince them otherwise by providing the right scaffolding "behind-the-scenes." Research shows that being exposed to problems that engage students at the right level allow them to advance in their knowledge securely. See examples of problems that allow for that advance and that don't and come hear of other ways in which you can provide for added structure that students can give for themselves.

Leaders

Carmel Schettino

Senior Academic Advisor for Mathematics, Avenues: The World School

With Problem-Based Learning as her specialization, Carmel obtained a Ph.D. in Math Education while teaching at the secondary level for many years. She is passionate about helping teachers grapple with the pedagogical and curricular questions that rise when PBL is brought into the... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

1:45pm EDT

Enhancing Calculus and Pre-Calculus with Geometer's Sketchpad 5

Geometer's Sketchpad is a powerful cross platform software that can be utilized to allow students to visualize important concepts in calculus and pre-calculus. There will be a brief discussion of some of the useful techniques for using Sketchpad, and a demonstration of how it can be used with related rates, extreme value, graphing, applications of integration and important pre-calculus topics. A CD of completed sketches will be given to anyone in attendance.

Leaders

Bob McCully

Falmouth high School

Tuesday June 25, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Forum

1:45pm EDT

Has Math Got Your Goat

Billy is out for a little snack and farmer Dan doesn't want him eating everything in sight. Help farmer Dan find Billy's grazing area for barns of different shapes. This is truly a K through beyond high school type of problem!

Leaders

Dan Butler

Mathematics Teacher, Mounds View High School, Arden Hills, MN

Dan has taught mathematics for twenty-seven years; 9 years in middle school and 18 years in high school. In addition, he teaches an enriched and accelerated course for middle school students at the University of Minnesota. He has been involved in professional development workshops... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

2:45pm EDT

GeoGebra 5.0 - 3D Functionality

Learn about the 3D functionality in GeoGebra 5.0, currently in public beta testing. New features include three dimensional objects (planes, pyramids, prisms, spheres, cylinders, and cones), curves and surfaces, and the ability to rotate the view, among many others. While this is a beta version, it is quite stable (most of the time!) and suitable for use in a classroom setting.

Leaders

June Patton

June has been teaching math for thirteen years, and is currently the instructional technology specialist for her high school. Before teaching, she worked in the chemical and computer software industries. Her primary interest is in integrating technology into the mathematics classroom... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Forum

2:45pm EDT

Is f increasing at x=3?

Many folks assert that functions cannot increase "at a point". However, we calculus teachers continue to ask a variation of the question, "Is f increasing at 3?" without talking about what we mean. How can we assert that a function cannot increase at a point and then ask our students that very question. For some examples of calculus teachers asking such questions, see the 2013 Free Response questions which can be found at AP Central. This year questions AB/BC 12 and AB 2d asked if a function was increasing or decreasing at a point. I will posit a definition of "increasing at a point"and explore its ramifications.

Leaders

Doug Kuhlmann

Doug has been teaching in secondary boarding schools for 38 years, the last 29 at Philips Academy. He received his B.S. in math from St. Louis U. in 1968, and his Ph.D. from Northwestern in 1978. He enjoys learning and teaching mathematics and is particularly interested in using GeoGebra... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

3:45pm EDT

Cubic Equations and Priority Fights

A break-out session from the history of mathematics. The controversy surrounding the historical solution of the cubic equation contains a soap-opera. The wild and wolly characters of Girolamo Cardano, Tartaglia and Ludovico Ferrari play large roles in the story of this discovery. A version of the story will be told and the cubic equation will be solved before your very eyes! A real Renaissance tragedy!

Leaders

Jeff Ibbotson

Instructor of Mathematics, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics

Tuesday June 25, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

3:45pm EDT

Experimenting with equations and their graphs using the iPad and Wolfram Alpha

Using an iPad and the Wolfram Alpha app, high school students can easily make changes to equations that can lead to a deeper understanding of mathematics and to results that are astonishing. For example, simple changes can be made to equations of lines that result in graphs of circles and then to curves that are unusual and mysterious. This experimentation provides students with the opportunity to make connections between different mathematical topics and to make their own discoveries.

Leaders

Ron Lancaster

Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

Ron is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) where he taught mathematics courses for pre-service middle and high school teachers for 17 years. Prior to that Ron taught middle and high school mathematics... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

3:45pm EDT

Gateway Exams

How can we ensure that our students have the required technical skills to be successful in our classes. We do it through gateway exams. Come and see what they are all about

Leaders

Dan Butler

Mathematics Teacher, Mounds View High School, Arden Hills, MN

Dan has taught mathematics for twenty-seven years; 9 years in middle school and 18 years in high school. In addition, he teaches an enriched and accelerated course for middle school students at the University of Minnesota. He has been involved in professional development workshops... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
The Forum

4:45pm EDT

Help for Beginning Users of TI-Nspire

This is a continuation of the Sunday morning session as well as help for those who could not come to the Sunday session. We will provide additional assistance with keystroke questions or additional practice using handouts.

Leaders

Ron Lancaster

Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

Ron is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) where he taught mathematics courses for pre-service middle and high school teachers for 17 years. Prior to that Ron taught middle and high school mathematics... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

4:45pm EDT

Margin of Error: How Do They Do That?

In this session participants will carry out a simulation that will show how polling organizations (like Gallup or the New York Times) are able to determine the margin of error when they estimate a proportion like "the percentage of Americans who favor background checks for gun purchases." This session is designed for teachers who DO NOT KNOW Statistics.

Leaders

Julie Graves

Tuesday June 25, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

4:45pm EDT

The 4 Different Platforms of TI-Nspire CX: Handheld, Computer Software, iPad App, and free Document Player

Get hands-on experience with some of my all-time favorite interactive activities. I will show them on the 4 platforms, participants will do them with a TI-Nspire CX handheld. There are over 1000 free colorful interactive activities on MathNspired.com. They include the student worksheets and teacher notes and solutions. See how to implement them into your math classroom. Your students can use these on their handhelds or iPads. You can demonstrate them with your iPad, computer software, or with the FREE TI-Nspire Document Player.

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Forum

8:15am EDT

Best Practices in a Flipped Classroom

Using Best Practices to effectively teach students in a "flipped"; classroom. Discussion of contemporary research findings, resources available, etc.

Leaders

Darren Ripley

Wednesday June 26, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
The Forum

8:15am EDT

GeoGebra 4.2

Come see some of the features of GeoGebra 4.2 - it just keeps getting better and easier to use. And it is free.

Leaders

Doug Kuhlmann

Doug has been teaching in secondary boarding schools for 38 years, the last 29 at Philips Academy. He received his B.S. in math from St. Louis U. in 1968, and his Ph.D. from Northwestern in 1978. He enjoys learning and teaching mathematics and is particularly interested in using GeoGebra... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

9:15am EDT

GeoGebra 5.0 - 3D Functionality

Learn about the 3D functionality in GeoGebra 5.0, currently in public beta testing. New features include three dimensional objects (planes, pyramids, prisms, spheres, cylinders, and cones), curves and surfaces, and the ability to rotate the view, among many others. While this is a beta version, it is quite stable (most of the time!) and suitable for use in a classroom setting.

Leaders

June Patton

June has been teaching math for thirteen years, and is currently the instructional technology specialist for her high school. Before teaching, she worked in the chemical and computer software industries. Her primary interest is in integrating technology into the mathematics classroom... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Two Cool Planet Problems that will Challenge Your Trig Students

Two problems will be presented that challenge students with unconventional applications of familiar trig functions. The first is, "why does Mars seem sometimes to move backwards"; and the second is "why is Venus called the Morning Star?"; Participants will try to answer the questions themselves. All will be revealed in the end. Classroom-ready handouts will be provided.

Leaders

Floyd Bullard

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

An alumnus of NCSSM, Floyd Bullard earned his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University, his master’s dgree at UNC-Chapel Hill, and his doctorate degree at Duke University. Floyd’s first full-time teaching job was in West Africa as a Peace Corps... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Challenging the Mathematically Challenged and Others

This session will explain how problem solving projects can allow students a great degree of success.

Leaders

Ray Williams

Ray has been a teacher of mathematics and science for the past 40 years and is currently the Head of Mathematics at St Mark's Anglican Community School in Perth, Western Australia. St Mark's mathematics classrooms all have TI-Nspire Navigator Wireless Networks and wireless data projection... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Framework for a PBL Classroom

Come hear the results of my dissertation research which organized some qualitative data (dealing specifically with gender) into an easy-to-understand framework for making your PBL classroom one that encourages student voice, individual and group agency, and can allow for both independent and interdependent mathematical skills to be appreciated even by the least able students. Teacher discourse moves and classroom behavior and culture skills can be the major factor in the relationships that are fostered in the PBL classroom.

Leaders

Carmel Schettino

Senior Academic Advisor for Mathematics, Avenues: The World School

With Problem-Based Learning as her specialization, Carmel obtained a Ph.D. in Math Education while teaching at the secondary level for many years. She is passionate about helping teachers grapple with the pedagogical and curricular questions that rise when PBL is brought into the... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

The iPad as a Dynamic Math Learning and Teaching Tool

FluidMath is an iPad app that recognizes mathematics you write with your finger or stylus. Write an equation like y-3=2(x+1) and with a flick of the wrist you have a graph and table. FluidMath recognizes and graphs inequalities, systems of equations, implicitly defined functions, relations (like conic sections), polar functions, and discrete functions (like the Fibonacci Sequence). FluidMath incorporates a full CAS (Computer Algebra System) so it evaluates expressions and solves equations. You have to see it to believe it!

Leaders

Nils Ahbel

Deefield Academy

Nils studied Mechanical Engineering and then earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1984, with a concentration in Microeconomics. Following graduate school he worked in Germany as a project engineer for five years and then, searching for his passion he returned to the US... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

With a Pinch of Salt

Pour salt uniformly onto a cardboard shape and watch as the salt piles up like snow on a roof. Geometrically interesting patterns emerge as ridges form. We will experiment with a variety of shapes; convex and non-convex polygons, polygons with holes, circles, ellipses. Interesting questions about polygons and conic sections arise.

Leaders

Philip Mallinson

Instructor of Mathematics Emeritus, Phillips Exeter Academy, Retired

I'm Philip Mallinson. I retired from Phillips Exeter in 2015 where I taught all levels of math and AP Statistics. I have taught in Outward Bound schools in England and Colorado (1966-1970 (not math)) math in Stowe, Vermont (1970-77), Seattle (1980-94) and Exeter (1994-2015). My first... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Phelps 215

1:45pm EDT

My Favorite iPad Apps for Math -- Investigation, Instruction, Presentation

See how to use the iPad as an investigation tool for students using over 100 free pre-created activities. How students can use it as a graphing calculator and teachers use it as a demonstration device. Apps to wirelessly project your iPad screen and how to control your computer desktop with your iPad. And PEZ!

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

1:45pm EDT

Parabolic Art with Desmos

This hands-on session will feature an activity designed for students to demonstrate a solid understanding of transformations of quadratic functions while being creative. Using Desmos, the fantastic and free, on-line graphing software, you will create your own artwork using only parabolas. Bring along your laptop or tablet and see what you can create!

Leaders

Mary Bourassa

West Carleton Secondary School, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Mary currently teaches mathematics at West Carleton Secondary School in rural Ottawa, Canada. She is a strong advocate of the appropriate use of technology in the classroom and is a Desmos Fellow. She has presented workshops across Canada, the US and Australia. She has also been involved... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Forum

2:45pm EDT

Bugs, Bagels, Surfaces and Topology

The world is flat! Or maybe it's spherical -- or is it a torus? We will learn to determine the shape of our world using only string, paper, and common breakfast foods. This talk will be a gentle introduction to the subject of topology. I will show a video where a dancer dances on a flat two-holed torus. You will also learn an entertaining topological party trick, namely cutting a bagel into two linked rings.

Leaders

Diana Davis

Instructor of Mathematics, Phillips Exeter Academy

Diana teaches math, coaches girls’ cross country and is a dorm head at PEA. She previously created and taught problem-centered, discussion-based math classes at Northwestern University, Williams College and Swarthmore College. Outside of teaching and pedagogy, she does research... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

2:45pm EDT

Electric Vehicle Mathematics

With rising gas prices and growing environmental concerns, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity in the U.S. In this talk we'll look at some simple mathematics related to operation of electric vehicles. How does the Prius manage multiple motive power sources? What is an "MPG"? How can we assess how much and how efficiently an EV uses energy? We'll try to answer these and other questions, using mathematics ranging from simple ratios to integral calculus.

Leaders

Philip Rash

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM - Durham

Philip Rash has been a member of the NCSSM Mathematics faculty since 2004. A North Carolina native, he earned B.S., B.S.Ed., and M.A.Ed. degrees in Western NC, and has high school and university teaching experience prior to NCSSM. At NCSSM, Philip teaches calculus, statistics, and... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Forum

3:45pm EDT

Communication, Collaboration and Creation: Integrating Emerging Technologies into the Classroom

Whether it is with a computer, the Internet, an iPad, or even a cell phone, technology has become fundamental to learning in the 21st century. As educators, it is our obligation to find inventive and intuitive methods for engaging our students. By utilizing emerging technologies we not only spark our students' interests, but we also enable them to become innovators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. In this presentation, I will demonstrate the versatility of the Apple iPad - how it has been used in an art classroom, and how it can be easily integrated into a math curriculum. Learn how iPads have been used to optimize students potential in the classroom and through global communication, collaboration, and creation. Join the discussion and share your thoughts and experiences.

Leaders

Rebecca Barsi

Instructor in Art, Phillips Exeter Academy

Wednesday June 26, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
The Forum

3:45pm EDT

Gerrymandering and Geometry

Every 10 years the US congress re-apportions the House of Representatives. Once the House is re-apportioned then state legislatures re-draw the districts. The shapes of these districts can be very controversial and sometimes law suits are filed arguing that there has been gerrymandering. In this session we will talk about some of the geometry of determining if a district has been gerrymandered. Typically students can develop some of the standard methods on their own. We will look at some ideas that my students have proposed and compare those with what have been used in the courts.

Leaders

Dot Doyle

Wednesday June 26, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

3:45pm EDT

Using Matrices to Create Beautiful Fractals

Together we will explore an engaging precalculus project in which students use trigonometry, transformations, matrices and their imaginations to create beautiful fractal images. I will demonstrate how to use a free tool available on the web to create our fractals, and I will share sample student work and reflections on the project.

Leaders

Mariá Hernandez

Mathematics Consultant, Advisory Board, Advisory Board, COMAP, NCTM/SIAM/COMAP Joint Committee on Modeling Across the Curriculum, the Mathkind Education Trust

With over 30 year of teaching experience, Maria has developed curricula for high school students in various mathematics courses. She has led teacher collaborations via distance learning and has taught workshops for courses ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus, Complex Systems and... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

3:45pm EDT

A Math Trail at the Phillips Exeter Academy

Starting at the entrance to the Phelps Science Center, we will take a mathematical walk to the Exeter Library. We will answer and pose mathematical questions related to architecture, public art, and patterns encountered along this path. This workshop will be of interest to teachers wanting to provide their students with opportunities to be active learners, to collaborate and to develop their own mathematical questions related to their world. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device.

Leaders

Ron Lancaster

Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

Ron is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) where he taught mathematics courses for pre-service middle and high school teachers for 17 years. Prior to that Ron taught middle and high school mathematics... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 3:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Phelps Science Center

4:45pm EDT

How are The Big Bang Theory, The Beatles, Calculus, Precalculus, and Student Reports Related?

Math and science video clips from The Big Bang Theory, an interactive calculus activity on derivatives, an interactive precalculus activity called The Oil Refinery Problem, a math modeling activity about temperature in Melbourne, electronic interactive student lab reports, and The Beatles "last" album. See how to play and interact with these activities with FREE software. Leave with these and several other free activities.

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

4:45pm EDT

Modeling the Suez Canal: A Million Dollar System of Linear Equations

This talk will present a mathematical modeling activity based on the work of Phillip Griffiths for the Suez Canal Authority. We will use only high school algebra to develop a model of the traffic flow in the Suez Canal, and find an optimal solution for how to organize the flow of traffic. In addition to the mathematical ideas, the presentation will focus on the essential principles of mathematical modeling used in the process.

Leaders

Dan Teague

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

I have been on the faculty at NCSSM since 1982 and teaching mathematical modeling since 1986. I was the lead author of the high school chapter of the GAIMME report and served on the committee that created the AP Statistics course (Problem #6 was my contribution). I have represented... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

4:45pm EDT

Visualizations, Animations, and Simulations

Helping students to experience mathematics through dynamic applications is a game changer for your classroom. Technology allows for powerful mathematical learning and connections to occur through statistical simulations, interesting animations, and helpful visualizations of abstract concepts. This session will show several examples of each from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistics. You will see a number of demos (using free software) that have really helped our students visualize why things work.

Leaders

Frank Griffin

Mathematics Teacher, Cate School, Carpinteria, CA

Wednesday June 26, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Forum

8:15am EDT

Best Practices in a Flipped Classroom

Using Best Practices to effectively teach students in a "flipped"; classroom. Discussion of contemporary research findings, resources available, etc.

Leaders

Darren Ripley

Thursday June 27, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

8:15am EDT

Visualizations, Animations, and Simulations

Helping students to experience mathematics through dynamic applications is a game changer for your classroom. Technology allows for powerful mathematical learning and connections to occur through statistical simulations, interesting animations, and helpful visualizations of abstract concepts. This session will show several examples of each from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistics. You will see a number of demos (using free software) that have really helped our students visualize why things work.

Leaders

Frank Griffin

Mathematics Teacher, Cate School, Carpinteria, CA

Thursday June 27, 2013 8:15am - 9:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Cellular Automata and Genetic Algorithms

During the past 20 years, computer intensive areas of mathematics have grown increasingly important in modeling out world. For the past three years, NCSSM's modeling teams have won modeling contests using genetic algorithms and cellular automata models. This talk will present at an introductory level the basic ideas of these new techniques in modeling.

Leaders

Dan Teague

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

I have been on the faculty at NCSSM since 1982 and teaching mathematical modeling since 1986. I was the lead author of the high school chapter of the GAIMME report and served on the committee that created the AP Statistics course (Problem #6 was my contribution). I have represented... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

9:15am EDT

Two Cool Planet Problems that will Challenge Your Trig Students

Two problems will be presented that challenge students with unconventional applications of familiar trig functions. The first is, "why does Mars seem sometimes to move backwards"; and the second is "why is Venus called the Morning Star?"; Participants will try to answer the questions themselves. All will be revealed in the end. Classroom-ready handouts will be provided.

Leaders

Floyd Bullard

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

An alumnus of NCSSM, Floyd Bullard earned his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University, his master’s dgree at UNC-Chapel Hill, and his doctorate degree at Duke University. Floyd’s first full-time teaching job was in West Africa as a Peace Corps... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

9:15am EDT

Two Cool Planet Problems that will Challenge Your Trig Students

Two problems will be presented that challenge students with unconventional applications of familiar trig functions. The first is, "why does Mars seem sometimes to move backwards"; and the second is "why is Venus called the Morning Star?"; Participants will try to answer the questions themselves. All will be revealed in the end. Classroom-ready handouts will be provided.

Leaders

Floyd Bullard

Instructor of Mathematics, NCSSM Durham

An alumnus of NCSSM, Floyd Bullard earned his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University, his master’s dgree at UNC-Chapel Hill, and his doctorate degree at Duke University. Floyd’s first full-time teaching job was in West Africa as a Peace Corps... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
The Forum

10:30am EDT

An Alternative to Precalculus

What to do with students who struggle in Algebra II? In this CwiC session Nils will share highlights of a year-long course he has written, designed specifically to meet the needs of these students. This course focuses on rich applications to explore the follow topics: transformations of functions, trigonometry, sequences, exponential and logarithmic functions, probability and simulation, and statistics. The course includes problem sets and solutions, PowerPoints and Excel files, data files in Fathom format, and instructional movies. The course is being used by a number of schools, is on-line, and free (http://www.ahbel.com/alternative-to-precalculus/).

Leaders

Nils Ahbel

Deefield Academy

Nils studied Mechanical Engineering and then earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1984, with a concentration in Microeconomics. Following graduate school he worked in Germany as a project engineer for five years and then, searching for his passion he returned to the US... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

10:30am EDT

Gerrymandering and Geometry

Every 10 years the US congress re-apportions the House of Representatives. Once the House is re-apportioned then state legislatures re-draw the districts. The shapes of these districts can be very controversial and sometimes law suits are filed arguing that there has been gerrymandering. In this session we will talk about some of the geometry of determining if a district has been gerrymandered. Typically students can develop some of the standard methods on their own. We will look at some ideas that my students have proposed and compare those with what have been used in the courts.

Leaders

Dot Doyle

Thursday June 27, 2013 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
The Forum

11:30am EDT

Mathematics and Fair Voting

Voting issues have become a hot topic. What are some techniques that are used to "unfairly" affect the outcome? In a multicandidate race, how can we use mathematics to help election outcomes reflect the "will of the people"?

Leaders

Ken Collins

Charlotte Latin School

Ken has a B.S. in physics and M.S. in math from BPI/NYU and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has taught for forty seven years in middle school through graduate school. His focus is on effective use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. He teaches calculus, precalculus... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

11:30am EDT

Using Matrices to Create Beautiful Fractals

Together we will explore an engaging precalculus project in which students use trigonometry, transformations, matrices and their imaginations to create beautiful fractal images. I will demonstrate how to use a free tool available on the web to create our fractals, and I will share sample student work and reflections on the project.

Leaders

Mariá Hernandez

Mathematics Consultant, Advisory Board, Advisory Board, COMAP, NCTM/SIAM/COMAP Joint Committee on Modeling Across the Curriculum, the Mathkind Education Trust

With over 30 year of teaching experience, Maria has developed curricula for high school students in various mathematics courses. She has led teacher collaborations via distance learning and has taught workshops for courses ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus, Complex Systems and... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Forum

1:45pm EDT

Exeter Math From Both Sides of the Harkness table

I learned math using Exeter's word-problem-based curriculum, and then returned to teach math at Exeter. I'll talk about my experience on each side of the curriculum, and the differences between being a successful Exeter math student and an effective teacher.

Leaders

Diana Davis

Instructor of Mathematics, Phillips Exeter Academy

Diana teaches math, coaches girls’ cross country and is a dorm head at PEA. She previously created and taught problem-centered, discussion-based math classes at Northwestern University, Williams College and Swarthmore College. Outside of teaching and pedagogy, she does research... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

1:45pm EDT

How are The Big Bang Theory, The Beatles, Calculus, Precalculus, and Student Reports Related?

Math and science video clips from The Big Bang Theory, an interactive calculus activity on derivatives, an interactive precalculus activity called The Oil Refinery Problem, a math modeling activity about temperature in Melbourne, electronic interactive student lab reports, and The Beatles "last" album. See how to play and interact with these activities with FREE software. Leave with these and several other free activities.

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Forum

2:45pm EDT

CAS (Computer Algebra System) Ideas that Happened at Lunch at Exeter Last Year

See a few of my favorite CAS activities. Two of them were inspired at lunch at Exeter last year. See how to utilize CAS for exploration, observing patterns, and assisting with proof. We will work with algebra but also connect algebra and geometry.

Leaders

Tom Reardon

Math teacher and technology specialist, Fitch High School / Youngstown State University

Tom Reardon taught mathematics for 35 years at Fitch High School, where he served as department chair, and for 39 years at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He has been doing Professional Development in mathematics technology for school districts across the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Forum

2:45pm EDT

GeoGebra 5.0 - 3D Functionality

Learn about the 3D functionality in GeoGebra 5.0, currently in public beta testing. New features include three dimensional objects (planes, pyramids, prisms, spheres, cylinders, and cones), curves and surfaces, and the ability to rotate the view, among many others. While this is a beta version, it is quite stable (most of the time!) and suitable for use in a classroom setting.

Leaders

June Patton

June has been teaching math for thirteen years, and is currently the instructional technology specialist for her high school. Before teaching, she worked in the chemical and computer software industries. Her primary interest is in integrating technology into the mathematics classroom... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

3:45pm EDT

A Great STEM Project for the Algebra Classroom

This session will show how students in an integrated STEM Algebra2/Chemistry course built a solar oven. The project made use of what students had learned about parabolas, what they had learned about energy transfer and what they had learned about the design and construction process as part of the technology and engineering component of the course.

Leaders

Jonathan Choate

Groton School, Groton, MA

Jonathan has taught mathematics at Groton School since 1966. He is the co-author of The Dynamics Toolkit, four books covering topics in fractal geometry and chaos theory. He has served on both NCTM's Algebra and Discrete Mathematics Task Forces. His column, Geometer's Corner, is a... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium

3:45pm EDT

Rubik's Cube & Mathematics, History, and Lore

The mathematics of the Rubik's Cube is as fascinating as its pop culture appeal. In this CwiC session I will share some of the mathematics involved in calculating how many different scrambles there are (roughly 43 quintillion!) and the recent discovery of "God's Number"; for the Cube. You will learn a brief history of the cube and see some appearances of the cube in TV, movies, and art. Don't miss seeing the cube being solved (live) in about 20 seconds!

Thursday June 27, 2013 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
The Forum

3:45pm EDT

2013 AP Calculus Grading

This session will review the grading of 2013 AP Calculus exam and share the rubrics that were used during the grading. It will include suggestions for teachers based on the grading and a discussion period if time permits.

Leaders

Ken Collins

Charlotte Latin School

Ken has a B.S. in physics and M.S. in math from BPI/NYU and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has taught for forty seven years in middle school through graduate school. His focus is on effective use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. He teaches calculus, precalculus... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 3:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Phelps Science 123

4:45pm EDT

Guessing and Checking - A Bridge to Algebraic Thinking

Beginning algebra students, even those who are very good at solving problems mentally, often have a difficult transition to using algebraic expressions and equations. We will explore some scaffolding that can help them smoothly gain fluency in this "new language."

Leaders

Karen Lassey

Principal's Office, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics Principal

Thursday June 27, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Grainger Hall Phelps Science Center

4:45pm EDT

Miles per Gallon vs. Gallons per Mile

Which measure is more helpful in determining fuel efficiency and savings in carbon emissions? What illusions are created by the MPG rating? And how do they come up with those overall MPG averages for vehicles? Why is there a move afoot to require car manufacturers to post on the new car sticker a measure such as gallons per thousand miles? These and other questions will be investigated in this session which uses mathematics accessible at the first and second year algebra level.

Leaders

Kevin Bartkovich

Instructor of Mathematics, Conference Director, Phillips Exeter Academy

Mathematics

Thursday June 27, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Forum

4:45pm EDT

Repeating decimals, magic squares and conic sections

We will begin by using technology to examine the period of the decimal expansion of fractions of the form 1/n, where n is a positive integer. We will establish some rules that can be used to predict the period without having to convert the fraction to decimal form. Our analysis will lead to a natural connection between certain fractions of the form 1/n and magic squares. We will end our exploration with a seemingly bizarre and stunning appearance of an ellipse and a hyperbola created from certain fractions.

Leaders

Ron Lancaster

Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

Ron is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) where he taught mathematics courses for pre-service middle and high school teachers for 17 years. Prior to that Ron taught middle and high school mathematics... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2013 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mayer Auditorium