To Play or Not to Play (the real story behind games of chance)
Dr. Kimberly Drews, George Washington University
Abstract: This will be a brief and down-to-earth introduction to game theory.


Math and Juggling
Dr. Arne Ledet (assisted by Dr. Ram Iyer), Texas Tech University
Abstract: In juggling, the balls follow distinctive patterns. These patterns can be described mathematically in several ways, for instance as strings of numbers or by means of directed graphs. We will explain these mathematical descriptions, and illustrate how they relate to the actual juggling.


That's Not Fair! - A Tale of Mathematical Division
Dr. Cynthia Martin, McMurry University, Texas
Abstract: That's Not Fair! This is a phrase that we have all heard or said, but what does it mean for something to be fair? This workshop will look at ways mathematics can help us determine what is fair. This will be an interactive workshop that will allow participants to experience some of the methods of Fair Division. We will discuss the Knaster inheritance procedure, the lone-divider method and the last-diminisher method.


Having A Sphere of Fun---Paper Plates Folding
Dr. Lih-Ing Roeger, Texas Tech University
Abstract: Paper plates are not for picnic only; you can have fun with them too. Come and enjoy the hands-on activities of folding paper plates into shapes of spheres. I will show you how to use the folded paper plates and hair pins to form sturdy spheres.


The Mathematics of the Human Machine
Dr. Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech University
Abstract: Why can some people run faster, jump higher, or lift more weight than others? These activities are achieved by the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, bones and joints) under the control of the nervous system. To answer this question we need to understand the relationship between structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. We will explore the mathematics and physics of motion and basic mechanical concepts that can be used to model human activities and illustrate these concepts by a combination of calculation and human experiment.


So You Want to be a Statistician?
Dr. Alex Trindade, Texas Tech University
Abstract: This will be an overview of what statistics is, how statistics permeates every facet of our daily lives, what statisticians do, some projects I've worked on, and how to become a statistician.

 


What Makes a Good Math Teacher?
Patty Schovanec, Texas Tech University (9:40-10:30 am)
Abstract: Which teacher credentials make a difference in the classroom? It's a research question with significance for every district, for the principals who hire them and for the public concerned with teacher quality. We will explore the general skills and qualifications that a teacher should have, as well as the specific qualities of an outstanding teacher of mathematics.


Role of problem solving in middle school mathematics
Dr. Jerry Dwyer, Texas Tech University (11:00-11:50 am)
Abstract: This talk will describe the process of problem solving. Several example problems will be presented and their relationship with the standard curriculum will be outlined. The level of difficulty will be appropriate for the middle grades. These problems are also used in class for pre-service teachers and the feedback from the pre-service students will be described.