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2011 Girls and Mathematics Summer Day Program
June 20-24, 2011
Institute for Mathematics and its Applications

Poster
    Description: This free of charge day program (9:00am-1:00pm) is designed to provide middle school girls with a variety of engaging mathematical experiences focused on extending their understanding and knowledge in mathematics. Topics include: divisibility, modular arithmetic, introduction to cryptography, introduction to probability, geometry, numerical bases and exponents and logarithms.

Click here to download the slideshow [Watch with Quicktime Player].

Application: Maximum capacity has been reached so application is now closed.

Background: Research has shown that girls' positive attitudes towards mathematics decline as they grow older and that, starting in the middle school grades, girls are less likely than boys to choose elective courses in mathematics and sciences. Also, educational studies show that middle school girls may not realize that their preferred career choice requires coursework in mathematics and sciences. However the good news is that, as new research by a team of psychologists at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee indicates, the self-confidence in mathematical ability instilled by teachers and parents is more important for young girls to learn mathematics and science than their initial interest. As such, more attention should be given to building knowledge and confidence in mathematics ability early in girls' education. Building on a successful history, this is what the Girls and Mathematics Program aimes for:

  • to show the middle school girls that the study of mathematics — too often regarded as difficult and not appropriate for girls — can be exciting, beautiful and useful;
  • to introduce the middle school girls to a variety of career opportunities for which sophisticated mathematical ability plays a key role;
  • to emphasize the strategic role mathematics plays for success in STEM careers;
  • to build confidence in the girls mathematical knowledge through engaging and quality mathematical instruction;
  • to provide the participants with a support group and competent mentors which are successful undergraduate, graduate and professional women from the STEM workforce;
  • to ultimately shape the way the girls view themselves and their mathematical interest and ability.
Program Participants can download the program information sheet here.
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Organizers: Irina Mitrea (IMA) and Katie Spurrier Quertermous (James Madison University)

Program Contact: Irina Mitrea, 612-624-5772; imitrea@ima.umn.edu

Location:
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Sponsored by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications and the National Science Foundation.
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