Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Sonya Kovalevsky Day
Saturday, March 24, 2001
A celebration of science and mathematics for high school students.
Last Updated Feb 6, 2002
Dr. Richard Berendzen
American University
Dr. Berendzen is well known as an authority on astronomy and space science, and is often heard interviewed on these subjects by local news media.He has conducted research on solar astrophysics, cosmology, history of astronomy and education and human resources in science, as well as serving as a consultant to the National Academy of Sciences and NASA Headquarters. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Planetary Society and the Executive Board of the D.C. Chapter of The American Astronautical Society. Dr. Berendzen's presentation will consider a cosmic perspective on space science.
. . .
Workshops for Students
Paper folding and regular polyhedra
Professor Lyn Stallings
Professor Stallings is Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and a winner of teaching awards at local, regional, and national levels. In this workshop students will explore the geometry of regular polyhedra through paper folding.
Exploring the Brain: The Universe Within
Professor Bryan Fantie
Professor Fantie teaches in the Department of Psychology, and is Director of the American University Human Neuropsychology Laboratory. In this workshop students will explore the workings of the human brain -- what their brains are and how they work in producing sensations, perceptions, movements, memories, thoughts, and emotions.
Star Geometry
Professors Dan Kalman and Frances Van Dyke
Professors Kalman and Van Dyke are mathematics faculty members with a special interest in hands-on student activities. In this workshop students will explore the geometry of stars with special computer software. The computer will let students discover the secret of drawing all kinds of stars, including the ones shown here.
. . .
Workshop for Teachers
Statistics in the Secondary Curriculum
Professor Mary Gray
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
What does a secondary math or science teacher need to know about statistics? What are the best methods for teaching statistics?
These questions are the focal points for the workshop for teachers. Professor Mary Gray, one of the organizers of the workshop, has experience as a mathematician, statistician, and educator, and has applied statistics in the analysis of international social and legal issues. She is known for her work in advancing professional and educational opportunities for women in mathematics and science, and is a recipient of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Lifetime Mentoring Award.
. . .
Group Problem Solving Activity
Professor Larry Crone
Mathematics and Statistics
Professor Larry Crone is organizing a problem activity and team competition. This is not about traditional math problems. You will find no algebra and arithmetic exercises here! Rather, teams will work together in an activity where judgement and persistence are as important as math skills, and students often out-perform their teachers.
Professor Crone is a mathematician and physicist, and works at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as at American University. His problem sessions for past Sonya Kovalevsky days have been very popular, and this year's session promises to be one of the best yet.
. . .
Activities will begin with a sign-in and refreshments in the lobby of the McKinley building (not the Ward building as previously announced). Travel information and a campus map are available with registration information.
|
Time |
Event |
|
9:00 - 9:30 AM |
Sign In & Refreshments |
|
9:30 - 10:30 AM |
Welcome, Keynote address |
|
10:45 - 11:45 AM |
Parallel 1 hour workshop sessions |
|
11:45 - 1:30 |
Lunch and Problem Solving Session |
|
1:45 - 2:45 PM |
Parallel 1 hour workshop sessions |
|
2:45 - 3:00 PM |
Awards and Prize Session |
Registration
To participate, you must send in a Pre-registration Form with a $10 refundable fee. This fee will be refunded to participants the day of the event.
Deadline for pre-registration has been extended to March 20, 2001.
The day of the conference activities will begin in the lobby of the McKinley Building, between the Bender Library and the Mary Graydon Center, highlighted on the campus map. Note that this is a change from the previously announced location in the Ward Building.
Participants may park in the Nebraska Parking Lot. Please consult the campus map (the Nebraska lot is at the bottom) and travel directions. From the parking lot, cross Nebraska Avenue at the signal at the intersection with New Mexico, walk straight ahead and past the front of the Bender Library. The McKinley building is the first one past the library. The entrance is to the left.
