| Last July 15-21, 31 middle school students attended the UNL Power
Math Camp. According to Dr. Gordon Woodward, camp director and associate
professor of mathematics at UNL, the camp aspired to help students
experience "the beauty, challenge, and utility of abstract mathematics."
Classes and speakers introduced the students to an array of mathematical
concepts. Topics included coding theory, graph theory, computer
programming logic, statistics, and the mathematics behind air flight.
Organizers attempted to demonstrate to the students how mathematics
is applied toward solving practical problems. For example, the students
learned how to model the spread of diseases with graph theory. Students
responded favorably to the camp's varied approach. "I've learned
that there is a lot more to math than I thought," said one
of the campers.
The camp also contained a social dimension. According to Dr. Woodward,
organizers hoped that the camp would introduce students to others
with a strong interest in mathematics. Class sessions and evening
activities helped the students to meet with each other, UNL mathematics
students, and professors. Evening activities included swimming,
disc golf, laser tag, and ice cream at the UNL Dairy Store.
Funding for the camp was provided by the UNL Department of Mathematics
and the Center for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Education
through a grant from the College of Arts and Sciences. For more
information contact Dr. Gordon Woodward at gwoodward1@unl.edu
or (402)472-7239. |
