1. Professional development for STEM Educators The Joy of the Math Project Jen-chung Chuan National Tsing Hua University Hsinchu, Taiwan Aug, 2010

2. Introduction √ How Intel ISEF 2010 has brought joy to the little countryside home and brought hope to the disaster area √ How math project has brought joy to math learning and research

3. Math Becomes Experimental Mathematics is regarded as a branch of theoretical science. Science project turns Mathematics into an experimental science.

4. Visual Pure mathematicians speak of the thrill of abstraction. Math project takes pride in making abstract concept visible and dynamic.

5. Don’t Spoil the Fun Three parts of a theorem: –“Given” –“To prove” –“Proof” Thousands of years: “Proof” the most precious. Dynamic Geometry : “To Prove” the most exciting.

6. Attention Span It is easy to deliver a math lecture making the audience sleep. When a mathematical proof is turned into an interactive game, people get addicted.

7. PowerPoint? PowerPoint makes interactive Q&A hard. Webpage links the minds to an unknown depth.

8. Principle of Duality Treat a constant as a variable Treat a variable as a constant

9. Old Wine… Conventional Wisdom: Don’t discover a theorem unless it has at least three applications. Math Project: Don’t start a mathematical experiment unless there are at least three different ways to do so with the computer.

10. Symbols Appropriate math symbols make presentation clean. Redundant symbols make presentation ugly.

11. Index Avoid using indices. Verbal expression reflects a sharper mind.

12. Mathematical Maturity Mathematical maturity - best propaganda for any math project. References speak such quality loud and clear.

13. Ego A mathematician’s ego is found in the scratchpad. He is willing to fight to keep it confidential. Art of a science project : transform it beyond recognition.

14. Efficiency Amount of time for presentation- limited The quality of judging is gauged by the efficiency of the presentation. Ambiguity: worst sin Just imagine the amount of time saved without having to clarify definitions!

15. White Board Tools for scientific presentation - far from ideal. In math seminars chalk is used. Pace and Flow of Ideas can hardly be simulated with computer. Bring a white board.

16. Magic Show People love magic shows. Extract the mathmagic ingredient of the project and start seducing the audience.

17. Insight Mathematical methods? Meaningful in higher math? Physical significance? Visualized? Simulation with a computer? Accessible to high school student? Accessible to primary school student?

18. Reality Check Have you given your presentation to your parents? Do they understand it?

19. Another Reality Check What have you learnt from the project?

20. Thank You Math Rocks