Submitted
by: Joe Sueyoshi

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 27, 2004) - On March 4-5, students and members of the community will have an opportunity to discover that math can be humorous, fun and exciting at "Math Connections," at two-day math awareness event at Phoenix College.

This event will feature speakers who will address a number of math-related topics that are not only entertaining but that also offer a unique learning experience for students.

The list of speakers include Charles "Pat" McKeague, a prolific math textbook author from San Luis Obispo, California; Tom Carson, developmental math teacher and textbook author from Columbia, South Carolina; Debi Plum, the math curriculum coordinator for the Glendale Union High School District; Stan Plum, a graduate student in anthropology at ASU; Pam Miller, a faculty member here at Phoenix College; and, Kimberly Fiorucci, a forensic scientist for the Mesa Police Department Crime Laboratory.

Tom Carson - Math Through the Senses
For the last 12 years, Tom Carson has been teaching in Columbia, South Carolina, at Midlands Technical College in the Developmental Mathematics Program. He has authored several textbooks and received a NISOD Excellence in Teaching award. His presentation will focus on techniques and activities that can improve math performance. These techniques include creative ways to handle the anxieties often associated with math. He will also address different learning styles and a study system. Carson is also known for applying music to math.

Kimberly Fiorucci - Math & C.S..I.
Kimberly Fiorucci, a forensic scientist for the Mesa Police Department Crime Laboratory, works in the DNA unit. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona and her Masters of Science in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven. Her discussion will reveal how patterns left behind after a violent encounter are used to determine the events that occurred. Her presentation will show the math behind the reconstruction.

Charles "Pat" McKeague - Patterns and Connections
Pat McKeague, a resident of San Luis Obispo, California, is a well-known author of math textbooks. Several of his texts are currently being used at Phoenix College. His presentation will show the many patterns within mathematics and their surprising connections.

Pam Miller & Debbie Plum - Mayan Math
Pam Miller is a math instructor at Phoenix College and Debbie Plum is the math curriculum coordinator at the Glendale Union High School District. Previously, both Miller and Plum taught mathematics for the Glendale Union High School District for a combination of 17 years. Their presentation will explore the mathematical representations and operations used in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations and the construction of their calendars.

Stan Plum - Ancient Peoples of Phoenix
A graduate student in anthropology at A.S.U., Stan Plum has spent the last 15 years doing avocational archaeology in North Phoenix and at Wupatki National Monument. He currently serves as the collection coordinator at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center. His presentation will examine the practical applications of solar geometry in calendar making used by the ancient peoples of the Phoenix Basin.

All presentations will take place in the Willo Room on the Osborn Campus. Sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and get underway on Friday at 9 a.m. For more information, please call the Math Department at (602) 285-7151.

###