Laurel Highlands Mathematics Alliance
Math Day Presentations
Saint Francis University
March 12, 2009
A. College Selection 101: For the Mathematics and Related Majors
Ms. Angela Shotter, Admissions Representative, Saint Francis University
Gain tips on how to find a college or university that will meet your educational goals. What should you be looking for? Where should you begin? What can Saint Francis University offer a student looking to major in mathematics or a related field?
B. Geocaching: The Amazing GPS Race
Mr. John Lamertina, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Saint Francis University
Learn latitude, longitude, and how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and compass to locate exact locations. Then race to find the most geocache sites on campus in one hour. Please dress appropriately for the weather and off-road walking.
C. Pi is a Harsh Mistress: A Tale of Irrational Passion
Dr. Pedro Muino, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Saint Francis University
Using the best tools that we have today, we cannot measure pi with better precision than a couple of decimal places. Yet, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Chinese and, certainly the Greeks, using very rudimentary tools, knew pi with a better level of accuracy. How did they do it? This is a story about mathematicians like Archimedes, who devised mathematical methods that were unsurpassed for nearly 2000 years, and Euler, who, along his way to contributing in every branch of mathematics, left very few questions to answer about pi.
D. Psychology Experiments to Study Behavior
Dr. Marnie Moist, Associate Professor of Psychology, Saint Francis University
Did you ever wonder how we know the influence of television violence on children's aggression or what the real causes of mental disorders are? Come be a part of a mock psychology experiment and learn something surprising about yourself and others. We will use statistics on the data we collect and discuss the implications of the results.
E. Sacred Geometry
Mr. John Miko, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Saint Francis University
What does the ratio between the individual spirals of a seashell have in common with the design of the wings of a butterfly, and the proportions of a human body? You might be surprised to learn that there is one number that represents this common design ratio. You might also be surprised to learn that there is one number when squared yields the original number + 1 and this same number when divided into 1 yields the orginal number - 1. Participants in this session will mathematically explore some of the patterns, designs, and structures found commonly in nature that have in certain religions and cultures become symbols of the metaphysical.
F. The Game of Set
Ms. Katherine Remillard, Instructor of Mathematics, Saint Francis University
Participants in this session will have a blast playing a simple game, rich in mathematics. In addition to learning how to play, participants will be challenged to develop strategies using problem solving techniques and discrete mathematics will be introduced along the way!
G. The Monte Hall Game: What is Behind Door One? A Prize, a Goat or an Actuary?
Dr. Norbert Youmbi, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Saint Francis University
At this session, participants will play the classic game show and try to guess which closed door has a prize behind it. The probability analysis that underlies the game are similar to those used in teh career of an actuary. Hear a brief introduction to this highly-rated, mathematics-based career, including actuarial research done by a student.
H. Unexplained Mysteries from the Fourth Dimension
Mr. Joseph Wilson, Instructor of Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
The "Fourth Dimension" can be used as a mathematical explanation for many mysteries: from spirits to supreme beings, from alien worlds to the end of the universe. Are television series like Medium and The Ghost Whisperer so far from reality? Maybe not.