 This
summer, 30 high school girls had the opportunity to study two complex
mathematical topics with college professors on the UNL campus. Both
of the weeklong sessions of All Girls /All Math featured classes entitled
Chaos and Codes. The high school girls experienced a full schedule,
with 6 hours of class a day, as well as speakers, activities and study
time.
The girls devoted one evening to learning about the mathematics
of flight. Then, through the Young Eagles program, they flew in
small planes operated by independent pilots at Duncan Aviation.
The pilots showed the girls how to work the various controls. The
girls were then permitted to apply their new knowledge, flying the
planes themselves with the pilot’s assistance.
All Girls/All Math gave the participants a chance to explore areas
of mathematics that they will not encounter in high school. One
student said, “I now see that there is a lot more to the world
of math than I ever imagined. The concept of Chaos was beyond what
I understood before I came here, and I find it fascinating.”
The camp also brought together girls whose talent or appreciation
for math sometimes sets them apart from other students. “I’ve
always loved math, and spending a week with a bunch of girls who
share this love for math was the best possible way for me to spend
my summer. I am definitely thinking of a career in mathematics,”
said one girl.
One of the goals of All Girls/All Math was to make its participants
more aware of the contributions of female mathematicians. “From
what I’ve seen at this camp,” said one student, “women
mathematicians are very enthusiastic, fun, and really cool people.”
Another said, “ I realized how important and useful a math
degree is, not just for women, but for anyone.”
This year’s camp attracted girls from seven states, including
some from as far away as New York. Teachers and students who would
like to be placed on a mailing list should contact the Center for
Science Mathematics and Computer Education by postal mail, 126 Morrill
Hall, Lincoln NE 68588-0350; phone, (402)472-8965; or e-mail, agam@math.unl.edu.
More information on All Girls/All Math is available at http://www.math.unl.edu/~agam. |
