Keynote Speakers

"Neglect of mathematics works injury to all knowledge, since he who is ignorant of it cannot know the other sciences or the things of the world."
—Roger Bacon (13th century English philosopher)

"Most of the fundamental ideas of science are essentially simple, and may, as a rule, be expressed in a language comprehensible to everyone."

–Albert Einstein (20th century German physicist)

Rachel McAnallen
Known simply as "Ms. Math" to children across the country, Rachel McAnallen has devoted her life to sharing the joy and beauty of mathematics with learners of all ages. A professional educator for half a century, she travels the globe teaching her subject at every grade level. In addition to her experience in the classroom, Rachel has served as a department chair, a school board member, and a high school administrator— she claims the latter position is responsible for the majority of her gray hairs.

Rachel has a passion for teaching, golf, and mathematical modular origami, though not always in that order. A life-long learner now pursuing her PhD at the University of Connecticut, Rachel approaches the world around her with a boundless curiosity and a playful sense of humor that is reflected in her teaching style. Her teaching philosophy exemplifies that mathematics is a language to be spoken, an art to be seen, a music to be heard and a dance to be performed.

MONDAY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Creative and Humorouse Ways to Teach Math Without The Use of Worksheets

This workshop is designed to use place value as a tool to understand the four basic arithmetic operations and the conceptual algebraic thinking that underlies the operations. Using a monetary approach and calling numbers by their correct place value names, the participants will find many creative and humorous ways to teach the basic math concepts. Developmental theory, multiple intelligences and different learning styles will be emphasized which should enable teachers help all students, including those who are dyslexic and math anxious, to understand math concepts from the concrete stages to the abstract. The final outcome of the workshop is to understand that arithmetic is answering the question whereas mathematics is questioning the answer. Participants should come prepared to laugh and play with math.

TUESDAY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Without Geometry, Life Is Pointless Or Paper Folding and Mathematically Talented Students

Paper folding benefits spatially mathematically talented students by exposing them to transformational geometry. It begins with using hands and motion to understand something intellectually as well as tactilely. Inherent in all square or circular paper folding is the wonderful world of geometry including correct geometric vocabulary. In this workshop, participants will leave with several models in hand to enrich and challenge the mathematically talented student. Come prepared to be challenged be sure to bring your sense of humor.

WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Folding Fractions

This workshop is all about fractions. The material used is just paper but it helps students understand the relationship of fractions to each other and to the almighty number ONE. The beauty of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions unfold in this workshop. No pun intended. Come prepared to do some elementary paper folding along with having some fun and laughter.