Math Club

Here is the calendar for this semester. To see what we have done in the past just scroll past this list.

January 18, 2008 - First Meeting -
The students were challenged to build something mathematical out of marshmellows, toothpicks and straws. The winning group created "Pi Town."
January 25, 2008 - Fractals -
We watched a video about fractals. Fractals are very complex geometric patterns that are derived from very simple equations. Fractals are used in computer graphics and many of practical applications.
February 1, 2008 - Math Jeopardy -
The club was divided into fair teams and competed against each other in Math Jeopardy.
February 8, 2008 - Overcoming Math Anxiety -
Prof. Sonia Esposito from MCC's counseling department came back again to talk to us about overcoming math fears and learning good study habits. We've had her talk to us many times because the club has members from a wide range of courses.
February 15, 2008 - Black Holes -
Dr. Healy from MCC's astronomy department talked to us about the physics and mathematics of black holes. As always our talks include some math but are meant for students from all levels of mathematics, Basic Arithmetic to Calculus.
February 22-24, 2008 - SUnMaRC Conference at Arizona State University -
The club attended the Southwest Undergraduate Mathematics Research Conference. Students from throughout the southwest attended and presented on a variety of topics. At the conference four coded texts were given to the students as a challenge. MCC was the only school to crack all four of the codes.
February 29, 2008 - MCC Math Contest -
The second round of the MCC-AMATYC Math Contest was held after our meeting. Earl Guenthner, a math club member and three time winner, ran a preparation session at our meeting.
March 7, 2008 - Movie- Stand and Deliver -
We watched the greatest math movie of all time, "Stand and Deliver". It is a very inspirational story and one of the key reasons our advisor, Prof. Avilez, became a teacher.
March 21, 2008 - ASU Engineering Presentation -
Marsha Gonzaga, an advisor in ASU's engineering school, spoke to us about the programs available at ASU. She also talked about the transition from MCC to ASU
March 28, 2008 - The Mathematics of DNA -
Dr. Gaye from the MCC Mathematics department spoke to us about mathematics and DNA. Dr. Gaye discussed how mathematics can be used to model the physical properties of DNA.
April 4, 2008 - Swarm Theory -
Prof. Schultz of the MCC Mathematics department spoke to us about Swarm Theory. Many unintelligent organisms can behave very intelligently in groups. Mathematics is being used to study this behavior
April 11, 2008 - Math Club Basketball -
We may not be great but we alway have fun and welcome any skill level.
April 16, 2008 - Spring Fling -
We set up a booth to advertise our club.
April 18, 2008 - Mathematics and Islamic Art -
Prof. Chowdhury of the MCC Mathematics department spoke to us about the mathematics behind Islamic Art. Islamic art is all about geometry. In collaboration with the art deparment you can now find 3 examples of mathematics and Islamic Art on our campus. Two are on the mathematics building.
April 25, 2008 - Constitution Meeting -
We discussed proposed amendments to our constitution.
May 2, 2008 - End of Year Party -
We always do this before final exams and we always invite old members to come back. It's always helpful to ask them about the transition to a university.
May 8, 2008 - Mesa Arts Academy Elementary School -
Once again we visited MAA. This time we had the kids play a special Math Jeopardy that we created for them. We were able to award prizes that were donated by Dean Achs.

2007-2008 Calendar

August 24, 2007 - First Meeting -
We introduced new members, discussed future meetings, and announced candidates for officer positions
August 31, 2007 - Elections and Calculator Help -
We elected our new officers. As requested in the last meeting, we also discussed how to use your calculator. Several models were discussed
September 7, 2007 - Planning Meeting -
We continued to discuss and plan the semester.
September 14, 2007 - Movie -
We watched the first half of "October Sky"
September 21, 2007 - Movie -
We watched the second half of "October Sky"
September 28, 2007 - Puzzle Day -
We worked on jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, and other kinds of puzzles
October 5, 2007 - The Amazing Rouleaux Triangle -
Our own Robert Ashby talked to us about this triangle. It is an equalaterial triangle that has curved sides. It has a constant diameter like a circle which creates many practical applications.
October 12, 2007 - Strategies for Math Success -
MCC counseling faculty, Sonia Esposito, talked to use about this very important topic. She discussed study habits and test taking skills that can help you in your math classes.
October 19, 2007 - Tesselations! -
Two of our members, Kastle Olson and Earl Guenthner, talked to use about these beautiful patterns. Tesselations are constructed by repeating certain geometric shapes. M.C. Escher used tesselations in much of his art. We all created out own tesselation by the end of the meeting.
October 26, 2007 - Pumpkin Carving -
Our officers were able to get pumpkins donated to the club by Food City and Bashas. We sold them as a fundraiser and at this meeting carved out pumpkins.
November 2, 2007 - AMATYC-MCC Math Contest Preparation -
The MCC math contest was held today at 3:30 in BP 4 and 5. The club had a last minute review session which was lead by MCC math faculty Mark Neeley.
November 9, 2007 - Mesa Arts Academy -
We traveled to Mesa Arts Academy which is a Mesa Public Schools Elementary Charter School. We taught a classroom of kids how to make their own tesselations.
November 16, 2007 - Medtronic -
The club partnered with the Biotechnology club to visit Medtronic's facility in Phoenix.
November 30, 2007 - Basketball -
We played basketball in the gym on campus.
December 7, 2007 - Pizza Party -
ASMCC provided the free pizza and we relaxed before finals week.

2006-2007 Calendar

August 10-12, 2006 - Mathfest -
Member of the math club traveled to Knoxville, TN to attend Mathfest. Mathfest is a national math conference sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. A former member, Mike Munroe, presented on prime rich polynomials at the conference.
September 1, 2006 - First Meeting -
We welcomed new members and worked on some logic puzzles.
September 8, 2006 - Sudoku -
MCC faculty, Margie Lyscas, discussed Sudoku puzzles with us.
September 15, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising
September 22, 2006 - Functions! -
One of our members, Kastle Olson, gave a hands on presentation about functions.
September 29, 2006 - Fractals! -
We watched "The Colors of Infinity". This video is about geomety and fractals. Fractals can be used to model shapes in nature and to make cool art.
October 6, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
We focused on advertising.
October 13, 2006 - The Mathematics of Black Holes -
MCC faculty, Dr. Lisa Will, spoke to us about the mathematics and science of black holes.
October 20, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
October 27, 2006 - Pumpkin Carving -
Inspired by Halloween and pumpkin pie, we carved some pumpkins including a couple of pumpkin pi's.
November 1, 2006 - Fall Bash -
We setup a table to recruit at this Student government event.
November 3, 2006 - Math Contest -
MCC faculty, Margie Lyscas, prepared us for the AMATYC national math contest by going over some old exams. The contest was after the meeting
November 17, 2006 - Strategies for Success in Mathematics Classes -
MCC faculty, Sonia Esposito, discussed study habits, time management skills, test taking skills, and other topics to help students succeed in their math classes. She is in the counseling department and specializes in math anxiety. The students attending felt the presentation was very helpful.
December 1, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
December 8, 2006 - End of Year Party! -
January 19, 2007 - Planning Meeting -
We are welcoming new members and planning for the semester.
January 26, 2007 - Elections and Video -
We elected a new senator, Earl Guenthner. Then we watched the "The Proof", a Nova video detailing Fermat's Last Theorem and the personal side of how Dr Andrew Wiles solved this 300 year old problem.
February 2, 2007 - Learning Math Study Skills -
MCC counseling faculty Sonia Esposito will speak on effective study habits that can help you succeed in your math classes. She has a lot of great advice for students of all levels and abilities.
February 9, 2007 - Learning Test Taking Skills and Overcoming Test Anxiety -
Sonia Esposito returns to talk to us about test taking strategies and test anxiety. Everyone can benefit from her presentation.
February 16, 2007 - Planning Meeting -
We discussed future meetings and presentations
February 21, 2007 - Clubs Carnival! -
February 23, 2007 - Tessellations! -
Come see math and art work together.
March 2, 2007 - MCC/AMATYC National Math Contest Preparation -
The math club is holding a cramming session to prepare for the math contest which will be held this afternoon.
March 9, 2007 - Women in Mathematics -
We looked out how women in history have overcome adversity to have a substantial impact on mathematics.
March 23, 2007 - Basketball! -
Come join us for a nice friendly game of basketball.
March 30, 2007 - Mathematics and Islamic Art -
MCC mathematics professor, Madeleine Chowdhury, will talk about the mathematics behind the amazing patterns seen in Islamic art.
April 6, 2007 - Tying the Knot -
MCC mathematics professor, David Schultz, will have us look at an unsual way to decide if two people should be married. We'll see if they odds are with them or against them.
April 13, 2007 - Math Club Alumni Meeting -
We have invited our members who graduated to come back and talk about their experiences at the university and workplace.
April 20, 2007 - Model DNA with Mathematics -
MCC mathematics faculty Dr. Amadou Gaye will be speaking about how mathematics is used to model DNA.
April 27, 2007 - Constitution! -
We will discuss our constitution and decide if any amendments should be made. The constitution governs how the club is run and can only be changed during the spring semester.
May 4, 2007 - Party and Voting -
Come unwind at our end of the year party! We will also vote on any proposed amendments and for new officers

2005-2006 Calendar

September 2, 2005 - Come join the fun! -
First meeting of the semester. We discussed math club policies and welcomed new students.
September 9, 2005 - "The Right Spin" -
The story of a dramatic rescue in space and the mathematics behind it.
September 16, 2005 - Planning meeting -
At these meetings we prepare for future meetings, fundraising, and other events.
September 23, 2005 - Art on a Dome -
MCC math professor Madeleine Chowdhury spoke to us about Mathematics in Islamic Art.
September 30, 2005 - Planning meeting -
At these meetings we prepare for future meetings, fundraising, and other events.
October 7, 2005 - A Trigonometry Project with Geometer's Sketchpad -
Math Club President Nicole Mohr demonstrated Geometer's Sketchpad. It's a cool software package that makes graphing and drawing mathematics easy.
October 14, 2005 - Planning meeting -
At these meetings we prepare for future meetings, fundraising, and other events.
October 21, 2005 - Graph Theory -
MCC math professor Mark Neeley gave a presentation on Problems in Graph Theory.
October 28-30, 2005 - Travel! -
We went the Arizona Mathematics Undergraduate Conference at Northern Arizona University. Nicole Mohr presented on Geometer's Sketchpad at the conference.
November 4, 2005 - Preparing for math contest -
We prepared for the math contest run by American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. The math contest was right after the meeting.
November 18, 2005 - What is the fate of the Universe? -
MCC astronomy professor, Dr. Will presented how she used mathematics to model the outcome of the universe.
December 2, 2005 - Planning meeting -
At these meetings we prepare for future meetings, fundraising, and other events.
December 9, 2005 - The end of the year is coming! -
Elections and end of year party!
January 20, 2006 - First Meeting of the Semester -
We welcomed new members and planned for the semester.
January 27, 2006 - Turning the sphere inside out. -
We watched a video, "Inside Out", that show how it is possible to turn a sphere inside out without making any holes in it.
February 3, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
February 10, 2006 - A Mathematical Classic! -
We watched the classic "Donald in Mathmagic Land". Donald Duck show us math in history, music and our everyday lives.
February 17, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
February 24, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
March 3, 2006 - Math Contest Preparation -
We practiced for the AMaTYC national math contest with some old tests. The contest was right after the meeting.
March 10, 2006 - Math Club Web Page -
We brainstormed on what content we wanted on our website. Joe Rouse, a member, did all off the coding.
March 24, 2006 - Brainteasers/Word Problems -
MCC faculty, John Payne, presented us with some brainteasers that he had heard on the radio.
March 31, 2006 - Engineering and Math -
MCC faculty, Bruce Carlton, discussed opportunities in engineering and mathematics. In particular he discussed the AVNET games.
April 7, 2006 - Planning Meeting -
At these meetings we plan future meetings, events, and fundraising.
April 11, 2006 - Clubs Carnival -
The math club setup of table to advertise the club to students. Student Government held this event in the middle of campus.
April 14, 2006 - Textbook Review -
The math club was asked to provide some input on the selection of a new college algebra book. The math department was choosing a new book and asked math club to provide some student input.
April 21, 2006 - Constitution Debate -
We discussed the constitution and approved some amendments.
April 28, 2006 - Math and Music -
Our web designer, Joe Rouse, has math and music talent. He gave a presentation discussing mathematics in music.
May 5, 2006 - Party! -
We had an end of year party.
May 7, 2006 - Math Tutoring -
We held a tutoring fundraiser. For $20 math 120 students got to have a whole day of tutoring by math club members.

2004-2005 Calendar

September 3, 2004 - And so begins another semester -
At our first meeting we did beginning of the year housekeeping.
September 10, 2004 - Are you ready for the math contest? -
We discussed preparing for the math contest and introduced some new members. The math contest is scheduled for Nov. 2nd.
October 1, 2004 - "Number Patterns: What's the difference?" -
Presented by one of our faculty, Mr. David Schultz. This was a hands on demonstration using graphing calculators.
October 15, 2004 - "Complete Graphs & Spanning Trees" -
Presented by one of our faculty, Mr. Mark Neeley. This presentation introduced the subject of graph theory and practical applications.
October 29, 2004 - Let's turn that sphere inside out! -
We watched the video "Inside Out". Can a sphere be turned inside out without cutting any holes in it? The answer is yes and the video showed how to do it.
November 12-14, 2004 - Travel! -
We attended the Arizona Mathematics Undergraduate Conference in Tucson. Two members presented at the conference. Mike Munroe spoke about error correcting codes. You can click here to see his power point presentation. Micah Mangione spoke about John Conway's Angel and the Devil problem. This is a classic game theory problem.
December 3, 2004 - Are you thinking critically? -
One of our faculty, Dr. Amadou Gaye, will be making a presentation about critical thinking. Aside of learning math, your math classes also teach you how to think critically.
January 28, 2005 - First meeting of the semester -
We had our first meeting of the semester. The club decided to meet every week. We watched the video "The Proof". The video was about Andrew Wiles' struggle to prove Fermat's Last Theorem. The theorem was unproven for 300 years, but Dr. Wiles was finally able to solve one of math's most famous problems.
February 4, 2005 - "When is 1+1=0? How can you tell if a number is divisible by 11?...and what do pirates have to do with all this?" -
Presented by our advisor, Adam Avilez.
February 11, 2005 - Well isn't this puzzling -
Presented by one of our faculty, Margie Lyscas. The presentation focused on a few interesting logic puzzles and demonstrated a good method for solving them.
February 18, 2005 - "The Golden Age of Computing" -
Presented by one of our adjunct faculty, Ken Seidel. He spoke about the early days of computing including his association with Bill Gates!
February 25, 2005 - Preparation for the math contest -
We prepared for the math contest by working on sample tests from previous years. The AMATYC national math contest was held after the meeting.
March 4, 2005 - "The Elegant Universe" the beginning -
We watched the first part of "The Elegant Universe". This was a Nova series that discusses how physicists are trying to describe the entire universe with a unified theory. We still have 2 more parts to watch.
March 11, 2005 - "Leading Digits and Fraudulent Numbers." -
Presented by one of our faculty, David Schultz. The presentation focused on Benford's Law and how it can be used to detect fraud. Most people don't know how to correctly fake data!
March 25, 2005 - Math club wants you... to play basketball -
We're playing basketball in the gym on campus. We'll be playing a nice friendly game so come on out and join us for some fun! We will be in the small gym.
April 1, 2005 - Club maintenance -
We're going to review the math club constitution and propose amendments. We will also be voting for a new math club secretary.
April 8, 2005 - Deriving a closed formula for Fibonacci sequence -
One of our members, Mike Munroe, will be presenting the Fibonacci sequence. He will be deriving a closed formula for the Fibonacci sequence.
April 15, 2005 - Napoleon Construction and a bit about Cribbage -
One of our adjunct faculty, Ken Seidel, will be discussing both Napoleon Constructions and how to play Cribbage.
April 22, 2005 - The continuation of "The Elegant Universe" -
We will be watching the 2nd part of "The Elegant Universe".
April 29, 2005 - Actuarial Science -
Dr. Hassett (Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at ASU) will discuss the actuarial field and how to become an actuary.
May 6, 2005 - "The Elegant Universe" part 3 PLUS "Monty Python and Math" -
We are electing officers for the spring, watching the last part of "The Elegant Universe" and one of our faculty, Margie Lyscas, will discuss "Monty Python and Math".

2003-2004 Calendar

November 4th, 2003 - "Mathematics and Gambling, or, How to Go to Vegas Without Going Broke" -
The speaker discussed the odds of winning for several different games. Most of the talk was about using card counting to play blackjack.
February 16th, 2004. - "Stand and Deliver" -
A great movie about some east Los Angeles high school students who overcame many obstacles to be the first in their families to earn college credit on the Calculus Advanced Placement test. It is a true story and really inspiring.
February 23rd, 2004 - Math contest preparation plus "Finding a non-recursive formula for the Fibonacci sequence." -
We prepared for the math contest and Mike Munroe gave his presentation which he will also be presenting at the Arizona Mathematics Undergraduate Conference.
February 27-29th, 2004 - Math Club Travel -
We went to the Arizona Mathematics Undergraduate Conference(AMUC) at Arizona State University. Mike Munroe presented and Frasha Hussain was a moderator. Click here to read Mike's wonderful presentation.(PowerPoint required)
March 8th, 2004 - "Outside In" -
Is it possible to turn a basketball inside out? Ok can you do with without ripping, tearing, or making a hole in it? Amazingly you can. Come see an interesting video that discusses the mathematics involved and also shows you how it can be done!
March 29th, 2004 - "Finding Area by Connecting the Dots" -
Mr David Schultz, MCC faculty, will show how to calculate the area of any polygon with a general method. No formulas to memorize!!! What could possibly be better??!!
April 10th, 2004 12 noon - Bowling! -
We're going bowling at Brunswick Lanes across from the campus on Southern. Come on out and join us!
April 26th, 2004 - "Twisting Around-How We Can Study DNA" -
Mr. Amadou Gaye, MCC faculty, will discuss the concept of curvature and how we can use this to study DNA. Before coming to MCC, Mr. Gaye worked at Power Systems Dynamics doing mathematical modeling of physicals processes including DNA.