Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The East Texas Math Teachers’ Circle provides teachers and math enthusiasts with opportunities to explore rich, open-ended mathematical questions as they develop and discuss problem-solving skills. Events are free and professional development (CPE and G/T) credits are available. For more information, contact Dr. Jane Long at longjh@sfasu.edu.
Spring 2021 schedule
Meetings will occur 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Access to each meeting will be provided to participants who register in advance. The information below is being updated as it becomes available.
Feb. 9: "The Tower of Hanoi"
Led by: Dr. Brian Beavers
The Tower of Hanoi may seem like a simple mathematical puzzle, but it has many surprising connections. Studying its solution lets us revisit many common mathematical problem-solving techniques and old friends like Pascal’s triangle and Sierpinski’s gasket. We’ll look below the surface and find something for students of all levels!
March 16: CANCELED
Led by: Dr. Clint Richardson
April 13: "Looking at Functions and Graphs"
Led by: Dr. Tom Judson
What is the graph of a perfect golf shot? How do we plot graphs from pictures, words or tables? We will investigate some of these issues using materials from Shell Centre for Mathematical Education.
May 18: "Magic Squares"
Led by: Dr. Brittney Falahola
Around for over 2000 years, “magic squares” have been thought to have mystical properties – even helping astrologers in the 9th century determine horoscopes. But what is so special about a square filled with numbers? Come join our discussion to find out! (No background knowledge needed.)
Previous meetings: Fall 2020
Sept. 15: "A Math Without Words Puzzle"
Led by: Dr. Jane Long
In this session, we’ll investigate a puzzle with no description or instructions. Intrigued? Join us for this mysterious session to kick off a new academic year. The mathematics we encounter will be accessible for all.
Oct. 13: "Adventures in Voting"
Led by: Dr. Keith Hubbard
First, we will look at voting districts and how they can be selected to maximize the representation of a party. We will use math to investigate what is really happening.
Then, we will move to the Electoral College, used for presidential elections, and look at mathematical strategies for winning an election.
Nov. 10: "Election Methods"
Led by: Dr. Jonathan Mitchell
For this math circle, join us on Zoom while we explore a variety of election types. We will discuss questions such as: What methods are there for determining a winner? Which methods are fair? By what standard do we measure fairness?
Toward the end of the session, we will vote and choose a winner for “best movie of all time.” What movie would you vote for?