Area Models in Elementary Algebra

by Lori J. Fern

What do the distributive property, factoring and completing the square have in common? Two answers come to mind. First, they are often taught to our Elementary Algebra students very formalistically. Second, using the area of a rectangle as a tool, they can be easily visualized and meaningfully connected. My experience is that the use of area models helps students think mathematically; and teaching Elementary Algebra has never been more fun! 

Preparing Incoming Freshmen for the College Level Learning Experience

by Daniel J. Clouse

Upon teaching a course of incoming freshman, how well did you feel they were prepared for a college learning environment? Did they enter the class with previous knowledge of their roles and responsibilities? How often have you felt you were teaching them how to be successful college students just as much as you were teaching them course content?

In this talk I will speak about a summer program I have participated in at B.U. that exposes incoming freshman to a college level learning environment and emphasizes their upcoming responsibilities. I will also ask the audience for input on the chronic nature of this problem and the potential need of such programs on other campuses.

Playing Nim on Simplicial Complexes

by Adnan Rubai

One of the classical games - perhaps *the* classical game - in mathematics is the game of Nim. We will discuss a generalization of Nim by placing the piles on the vertices of a simplicial complex. Under certain conditions on the complex, we discuss the winning strategy. We leave with an open problem.