Breakout Sessions | Agenda | How to Register | Directions

• Using Real Data Problems to Motivate and Reward the Study of Algebra
  Ron Harshbarger, University of South Carolina - Beaufort
  
  
• A Mathematician Visits Real Life
  Nate Ritchey, Youngstown State University
  
  
• Mathematics In The News
  Mario Triola, Dutchess Community College
  
  
• The Virtual Math Lab: On-line Courses and Assessment
  Michelle Cook, Addison-Wesley Technology Specialist
  
  

Using Real Data Problems to Motivate and Reward the Study of Algebra
This session will show you how to use real applications to develop the skills and concepts of algebra. We will look at applications designed to show students that there is some reason for the mathematics to exist and to increase their interest in algebra. We will see how data analysis, modeling, and technology are used so that the course is refreshing and interesting to students. The use of group projects involving critical thinking, complete solution, and interpretation will also be discussed.

A Mathematician Visits Real Life
How many teeth does a baby alligator have? How does the amount of sugar in ice cream affect its taste? How much does a Moose weigh? How fast does a breast cancer tumor grow? How much milk does a cow give? How far can you hit a baseball? Where do you find cool applications? These and many other questions will be used to stimulate interest in calculus and finite mathematics classes.

Mathematics In The News
The speaker will describe applications of mathematics and statistics related to news stories. Common media misuses of mathematics will be discussed. Specific topics include a disputed election, reports of more rainfall on weekends, the effectiveness of touch therapy, and reports of survey results.

The Virtual Math Lab: On-line Courses and Assessment
With the increasing demand for on-line courses and assessment, mathematics educators are in need of good tools that will help them develop such resources quickly and easily. This session will review several excellent web-based applications that Addison-Wesley has developed for both instructors and students. Foremost among them is MyMathLab, an on-line teaching and learning tool designed to accompany all major Addison-Wesley mathematics textbooks. Other web based tools to be discussed in this session include MathXL, an on-line tutorial, homework, testing, and assessment program; TestGen, a test-creation program that allows tests to be exported to and delivered on-line; Digital Video Tutors, problem-specific tutorial videos on CD-ROM or DVD; and a free, two-way tutoring service available by toll-free phone, email, and fax.