Mathematics Commons^™

What Does It Mean To Understand Mathematics?, Emam Hoosain

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

The Pythagorean Theorem And Area: Postulates Into Theorems, Paul A. Kennedy, Kenneth Evans

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

A Hypnotist Teaches Math: The Effect Of Person Centered Math Support Classes On At-Risk Community College Students, Ron Bell

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

The same elements which make Ericksonian hypnosis a highly effective therapeutic tool are found to be at work in an algebra support class called Math Success Orientation. Interpersonal dynamics of Carl Rogers’ person centered approach to counseling are also part of the philosophy of the class which has a four semester track record of improving both grades and attitude in at risk, math avoidant community college students. The article relates the history of the course with illustrations of how the elements of Person Centered Mathematics operate in the classroom. An appendix demonstrates the effect of the class on student grades

On The Preparation Of High School Mathematics Teachers, Edna Maura Zuffi

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

In this paper I discuss some results got in 1997/98 with Brazilian mathematics school teachers. The research was done to investigate their mathematical language as related to the concept of function. A dichotomy was detected between “formal” and “practical” language they used to express their own conceptions of function, as well as to teach their students this subject. Also, I found teachers’ conceptual images “shrinking” as soon as they were far from their colleges or universities programs.

A Sabbatical Experience: Nurturing A Partnership, R. Michael Krach

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

The Critical Components Of A School-College Partnership Formed To Reduce The Enrollment In Remedial Courses In Mathematics Of Incoming Freshman, Marcella Lavoi Melby

Mathematics Graduate Theses

"A Research paper submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Mathematics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Education, Mathematics."

What Mathematical Paradoxes Teach Us About Paradoxes In Christianity, Paul Bialek

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

In Christian academic circles, we talk about the integration of our faith and learning. That is, we seek to discover and develop connections between our Christian faith and our particular discipline. This is notoriously difficult when the discipline is mathematics. I have found that asking myself these three questions has helped me to integrate my Christian faith with mathematics, although they could be applied to any discipline: (1) How does the fact that I am a Christian affect the way I view mathematics? (2) How does the fact that I am a mathematician affect the way I view Christianity? (3) …

Three Problems From Number Theory, Robert Brabenec

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

This paper discusses the experiences of Wheaton College mathematics and computer science department colloquium as they explored open-ended problems.

The Soviet Concept Of The Correlation Of Forces, James Bradley

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

This paper takes a look at the Soviet Union’s accumulation of nuclear weapons during the Cold War and what mathematical strategy they employed to make their choices.

Gravitational Acceleration In Hades, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Does acceleration due to gravity increase or decrease upon descending from Earth’s surface? The answer—as we show—depends on one’s model for Earth’s density. For our Earth, gravity increases before it collapses to zero at Earth center.

Theism & Mathematical Realism, John Byl

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

This paper examines connections between theism and mathematical realism. Mathematical realism, which offers the best account of mathematics, strongly supports theism. Theism, in turn, supports mathematical realism. Theism readily explains the intricate relations between mathematics, matter, and mind. The attributes of the biblical God provide justification for classical mathematics.

Mathematics Memory Verses: Weekly Devotionals For Math Class, Mark Colgan

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Each Monday during the semester I start class with a short devotional on a verse that relates in some way to mathematics. After three weeks I choose one of the three at random for students to write out on their quiz for a possible bonus point. This encourages students to practice memorizing Scripture and it gives us the opportunity to discuss biblical principles that relate to some of the topics we are studying in the course.

I would like to share some of the Bible verses and weekly devotionals I have used in my mathematics classes. These can be organized …

Parables For Mathematicians: With Good News For Curved Beings, Ashley Reiter Ahlin

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Because we often lack the language for talking about such deep matters, the things of God can be hard to understand or talk about. The things that we do see and know were made by the same God of whom we speak. Thus, they are reflections of His nature, purposes, and ways and can help us to think and take about Him. This presentation expresses a parable using the language of math.

On Periodic Points On Maps Of Trees And The Expansive Property, Fred Worth

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

In this paper, we consider the expansive property (A homeomorphism, f, of a metric space, X, onto itself is called expansive if there is a positive number, ε, such that if x and y are distinct points of X, then there exists an integer, n = n(x,y), such that d(f n(x), f n(y)) > ε. It should be noted that n may be negative.) and how it relates to shift homeomorphisms of a tree with a single, surjective bonding map. We also consider some results regarding the periodicity of points in self-maps of trees.

Why Natural Selection Can't Design Anything, William A. Dembski

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

In The Fifth Miracle Paul Davies suggests that any laws capable of explaining the origin of life must be radically different from scientific laws known to date? The problem, as he sees it, with currently known scientific laws, like the laws of chemistry and physics, is that they cannot explain the key feature of life that needs to be explained. That feature is specified complexity. Life is both complex and specified. The basic institution here is straightforward. Davies rightly notes, laws (that is, necessities of nature) can explain specification but not complexity. Once life (or more generally some self-replicator) …

Mathematics As Worship, David J. Stucki

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

In keeping with the mission of this organization to explore the relationship of faith to our discipline, I would like to take this opportunity to investigate the relationship, if any, between mathematics and worship. There have been throughout history, at least since Pythagoras, connections made between the mathematical and the theological. Many of these such efforts have followed the Pythagorean cult in deifying number, thus making mathematics the object of worship. Othes have effectively situated theology in subservience to mathematical reason. However, these are not the only alternatives.

Once we admit the possibility of a connection between mathematics and theology, …

Thml: Theological Markup Language For The Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Harry Plantinga

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

This document describes the Theological Markup Language (ThML), an XML markup language for theological texts. ThML was developed for use in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL), but it is hoped that the language will serve as a royalty-free format for theological texts in other applications. Key design goals are that the language should be (1) rich enough to represent information needed for digital libraries and for theological study involving multiple, related texts, including cross-reference, synchronization, indexing, and scripture references, (2) based on XML and usable with World Wide Web tools, (3) automatically convertible to other common formats, and (4) …

Integration Of A Christian Perspective In The Mathematical Sciences, Johan De Klerk

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

No abstract provided.

Introduction (2001), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Thirteenth ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Table Of Contents (2001), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Thirteenth ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Schedule (2001), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2001

Thirteenth ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

A Geometry Course For Prospective Secondary School Teachers, Jeff Connor, Barbara Grover

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Students And Their Learning From Reading, Chris Fenwick

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

My aim in this article is to summarize work I have done over the last three years, focusing on the issue of helping students learn from whatever mathematics text they read. Although these types of texts generally contain 3 modes of communication, namely technical English, the language of mathematics itself and diagrams, I will focus this article only on the technical English of such texts. The idea, then, that students can develop techniques and strategies for learning from what they read is generally known as “reading to learn.”

Problems In Which Given Information Is Ignored, Howard Wachtel

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

A set of problems is presented and discussed for which there is a tendency for students to ignore part of the given information in the problem and to substitute some extraneous assumptions. Typical student reactions are also discussed.

The Need To Diversify The Ranks Of Teachers Of Mathematics, Frederick L. Uy

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper intends to give rationales for the need to diversify the ranks of teachers of mathematics. It also suggests ideas that we can take to alleviate the situation that we currently are confronting.

Educating The Public About School Mathematics, Zalman Usiskin

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Teaching Gap By James W. Stigler And James Hiebert, Michael L. Brown

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Theism And Mathematical Realism, John Byl

ACMS Journal 2004

This paper examines connections between theism and mathematical realism. Mathematical realism, which offers the best account of mathematics, strongly supports theism. Theism, in turn, supports mathematical realism. Theism readily explains the intricate relations between mathematics, matter, and mind. The attributes of the biblical God provide a justification for classical mathematics.

Mathematics As Worship, David J. Stucki

ACMS Journal 2004

This paper treats worship in a broad, inclusive sense as the primary and necessary response of human beings to their creator. It provides a brief overview of the relationship between mathematics and theology from the Pythagoreans to the present. It argues that all knowledge is contingent upon faith and thus that contemplation of mathematical insights can lead to worship of God.

The School/Home Communication Project: A Study Of The Effect Of More Frequent Grade Reporting On The Achievement Of High School Mathematics Students, Robert Dean Rogers

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.