Spring 2017 Spring Conference

Click here for Friday Program.
The following programs are tentative, and may change due to last-minute cancellations.

The Saturday Program

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Registration
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Breakout session
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Breakout session
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.: Lunch
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Keynote Speaker: Francis Su
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Breakout session
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Door prizes

Keynote Presentation


Speaker: Dr. Francis Su, Harvey Mudd College

Title: Mathematical Card Tricks

Abstract: I will show a selection of card tricks based on the mathematics of card shuffling. Mathematical card tricks are a great way to show students that math will help them creatively understand patterns they encounter in the world around them. Plus, there's no sleight of hand required!
 


9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.


The Joy of Sets
Speaker: John Thoo
Location: Polyvista
Abstract: We all teach about the union and intersection of sets when we teach how to solve compound inequalities in algebra, and we may teach more about sets in a math for elementary teachers or liberal arts math course. Most basically, we say that A set is a collection of objects, but when is a collection of objects not a set? We talk about the set of natural numbers, but what does it mean for a natural number itself to be a set? We present a whirlwind tour of set theory---axiomatic style!

Moving to Scale: Developmental Math Redesign in the Thousands
Speaker: Lynn Marecek; Marty Romero; Lisa McKowan-Bourguinon
Location: Campus Vista
Abstract: This presentation will focus on the full implementation of the Santa Ana College Mathematics Redesign of the Elementary and Intermediate Algebra sequence. The presenters will share their process, the successes and challenges of their 50 class section full-implementation and their data as viewed through the lens of Student Equity.

Promoting equity through active and collaborative learning technologies accessible in and out of class
Speaker: James Maloney; Dr. Yu-Chung Chang-Hou; Dr. Julius Su
Location: Hillside East
Experience, hands-on, how we have adapted a collaborative learning technology to support math instruction at Pasadena City College (PCC) for pure and applied mathematics courses, in an effort to improve equity by engaging large numbers of students, increasing student participation by questioning, showing and sharing work, and providing personalized feedback.

Through the Eyes of the Mathematician
Speaker: Cheryl Ooten
Location: Valley Vista
Abstract: Explore mathematics, its branches, research specialties, overcoming math anxiety models, and big problems—solved and unsolved intertwined with cool stories and history. Take this presentation back to your classrooms to give your students an overview picture of math to see where their course fits and why we love it so.

Multicultural Mathematics
Speaker: Robert Cappetta
Location: Garden Vista
Abstract: Many believe that the important ideas in mathematics have been done by dead white men. All cultures are represented in mathematics and mathematics teaching and I will examine interesting ideas emanating from the non-Western world. In addition, I will examine the contributions of women and present-day scholars.

Using Some Nice Statistics and GeoGebra apps
Speaker: Tuyetdong Phan-Yamada
Location: Hillside Central
Abstract: This talk concentrates on how to use GeoGebra (a free software) to teach Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry, Calculus and more. Attendees will be given GeoGebra apps for topics from Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. Bring your laptop to the workshop.


10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Are 10 and other numbers beside 1 also lonely?
Speaker: Khoi Vo
Location: Polyvista
Abstract: Being created by human beings, do numbers have friends like people? We will examine if there is any chance that a number, like ten, not just one, is lonely, because it has no friends. We will discuss what has already been discovered so far for this question.

Prestatistics: Acceleration and New Hope for Non-STEM Majors
Speaker: Jay Lehmann
Location: Campus Vista
Abstract: Instead of struggling in elementary and intermediate algebra, many non-STEM students can now take prestatistics, which better prepares them for statistics and their careers. More than twice the number of students succeed in this demanding path in half the time due to completing collaborative activities, interpreting statistical concepts, and analyzing density histograms.

Humanizing Statistics
Speaker: Marty Romero
Location: Hillside East
Abstract: Humanizing statistics is the belief that: 1) Everybody can do statistics. 2) Teachers help students find meaning in the act of doing statistics. 3) Students actively engage with statistics, peers, and their instructor 4) Teaching is the "practice of human improvement." Ideas, activities, and projects will be shared.

From the Abacus to the iPhone
Speaker: John Martin
Location: Valley Vista
Abstract: During the seventeenth century mathematicians began working on ways to coax answers to arithmetic problems from metal. This led to the invention of the first mechanical calculators, the precursors to our modern computers. In this presentation, professor Martin will talk about the history of these machines and the mathematicians who invented them.

Motivating Students to Learn Infinite Series
Speaker: Robert Cappetta
Location: Garden Vista
Abstract: In calculus, we study limits, derivatives, and integrals. Infinite series seems completely different and students do not understand why they are important. this presentation will examine historical ideas and applications that will help students to see the value of this important topic.

The New Tutoring Paradigm
Speaker: Bill Peters
Location: Hillside Central
Abstract: The role of the tutor is shifting from ensuring the student understands a particular problem to understanding concepts so they can work similar problems. This has required training for students, tutors, and faculty. The program’s challenges and success will be discussed as well as role playing by current tutors.


2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


F Theory and Resolution of Singularities?
Speaker: Coleman Dobson
Location: Polyvista
Abstract: F Theory is a geometrization of S-duality in type IIB string theory. Singularities in the elliptic fibration are classified by the ADE classification of simple Lie algebras. From this classification arises Standard Model matter. Amazingly, through this interplay of F-Theory/M-Theory duality and algebraic geometry, matter arises from geometry.

Pre-statistics: A Student Panel
Speaker: Hal Huntsman
Location: Campus Vista
Abstract: Over one third of California Community Colleges are now offering pre-statistics courses. What is it like from a student's perspective to take a pre-statistics course? Did a statistics pathway make a difference in their progress toward transfer? Join us to hear from a panel of current and former community college students.

Get Your Math Classes into the Hands of Your Students
Speaker: Heather Schmidt
Location: Hillside East
Abstract: We’ll share how using 3C Media Solutions can increase student success in your classroom. Learn how to store, organize and share videos and other file types. Upload videos, import YouTube videos, create custom playlists folders, embed videos into your LMS. Easy-to-use, available 24/7 and FREE to all California Community College faculty and staff.

The Professional Learning Network - Your One Stop Site for Professional Development
Speaker: Michelle DuBreuil; Candace Robertson
Location: Valley Vista
Abstract: The Professional Learning Network (PLN) provides free professional development tools, resources and online trainings to all CCC employees in an effort to improve student success. The presentation will provide a history of the Professional Learning Network, how content was developed, a demonstration of the site, plans for the future and a Q&A session.

Intermediate MyOpenMath
Speaker: Roy Shahbazian; Dahlia Vu
Location: Garden Vista
Abstract: Want to get more out of MyOpenMath or adapt a new Math course? Learn how to use intermediate features such as item analysis, creating quizzes/review/video assignments and searching for additional questions.

Teaching Statistics with Simulation
Speaker: Ambika Silva; Dustin Silva
Location: Hillside Central
Abstract: This workshop presents a hands-on activity that introduce students to concepts of statistics using simulation-based methods. The activity involves real data and makes use of freely available applets. Presenters will also provide advice and lead discussions about implementing and assessing student learning with this approach.



The Friday Program

6:00 p.m.: Registration opens and Friday Evening Social begins
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Ignite® Presentations

Ignite Presentations (7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

1. Coleman Dobson, F Theory and Resolution of Singularities
Abstract: F Theory is a geometrization of S-duality in type IIB string theory. Singularities in the elliptic fibration are classified by the ADE classification of simple Lie algebras. From this classification arises Standard Model matter. Amazingly, through this interplay of F-Theory/M-Theory duality and algebraic geometry, matter arises from geometry.

2. Robert Cappetta, Red Light Cameras - An Analysis of their Effectiveness
Abstract: Why is quantitative literacy important? Failures of quantitative literacy can result in huge costs to society. This talk will take an close look at the red light camera program in Chicago and how it has been grossly mismanaged due to poor quantitative reasoning and good old-fashioned corruption.

3. Hal Huntsman, The Privilege of a California Community College Math Teacher
Abstract: Becoming a tenured community college math teacher was, for me, a path of privilege. As I tell my story, notice the unearned privileges that I enjoyed and continue to benefit from. Compare my story with those of the students on the panel I'll be facilitating on Saturday at this conference.

4. Steven Davis, History of Math in Competitive Math Problems
Abstract: As a writer for the American Mathematics Competitions I have an idea of what makes a good high school competitive math problem. One concept that enhances a competitive math problem is to include the history of math in the problem. I would like to present three problems that I wrote that do have a little bit of history associated with them. It is my belief that competitive math problems will make each math class livelier.

5. Mark Harbison, Fractal Geometry
Abstract: Fractals are still very cool, even if not quite as popular now as when I wrote about them for my Master's Thesis in the 1990s.

6. Michelle DuBreuil, The Professional Learning Network - Your One Stop Site for Professional Development
Abstract: The Professional Learning Network (PLN) provides free professional development tools, resources and online trainings to all CCC employees in an effort to improve student success. The presentation will provide a history of the Professional Learning Network, how content was developed, a demonstration of the site, plans for the future and a Q&A session.

7. James Maloney, Promoting equity through active and collaborative learning technologies accessible in and out of class
Abstract: Experience, hands-on, how we have adapted a collaborative learning technology to support math instruction at Pasadena City College (PCC) for pure and applied mathematics courses, in an effort to improve equity by engaging large numbers of students, increasing student participation by questioning, showing and sharing work, and providing personalized feedback.

8. John Thoo, Division: Thinking Inside the Box and Out
Abstract: We present a way to perform long division using boxes that can also be used to divide two integers. We also present a modification to the standard way to set up polynomial long division.

9. Fred Feldon, RSI: What Is It? And Why Does the DOE Care About It?
Abstract: Millions of dollars in financial aid are at risk if your college's online courses don't meet essential requirements.

10. Tuyetdong Phan-Yamada, Pascal's Triangle and Pascal's Matrix
Abstract: The Pascal’s Triangle and binomial coefficients are known to students as early as the high school level. This talk presents several proofs of theorems of Pascal’s triangle; and also explores several patterns in matrices in Zn populated using the rule of Pascal’s triangle. We will discuss the patterns in Zp, Zp^n and Zpq for some prime numbers p and q. Color coding these matrices generates some interesting patterns.

11. Tammi Marshall, I have a thought...
Abstract: Cuyamaca College has made massive changes to our placement and curriculum allowing all students to complete their math requirements in one to two semesters. This presentation will give a general overview of these changes and the sweeping changes I believe should happen for all students.



Last updated November 25, 2021