American Mathematical Society

WMY 2000 High School Outreach Program

An AMS-MAA committee consisting of Philip C. Curtis, UCLA; Robert L. Devaney, Boston University; and Frank Morgan, Williams College, is developing a program for high school students and teachers and incoming college freshmen in the Los Angeles area titled Chaos Games and Fractal Movies. Some of the most fascinating new ideas in mathematics and science revolve around the interrelated fields of "chaos" and "fractals." These ideas are no more than a quarter century old, though their roots in mathematics go back almost a century. Both of these fields have come into prominence lately primarily because of the computer. With today's high speed computers (and especially computer graphics), scientists now understand that many physical and biological systems exhibit a surprising degree of irregularity called chaotic behavior. Using graphics, they can plot the chaotic regimes of these systems, and surprisingly, they often see a remarkable and incredibly beautiful pattern, the fractal patterns of chaos.

Although this is a relatively new development in mathematics, these ideas have found applications in many different fields, including data compression, weather forecasting, and even Hollywood animations. Most wonderful of all, these ideas are accessible to students with only a high school background in mathematics. Interested high school teachers and students and incoming college freshmen should contact Donna Salter at the AMS for more information (dls@ams.org). There is no charge for this program, scheduled for Sunday, August 6, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Reception

At the conclusion of the AMS-MAA Presidents' Lecture by Ronald L. Graham, all participants are invited to the Mathematical Challenges Opening Ceremonies on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in UCLA's spectacular Royce Hall. As we hear from organizers and distinguished guests, we will begin to explore and celebrate the glorious future of mathematics. A reception will be held immediately following remarks by the speakers.

The Math Challenges Pub, a private cash bar, will be open for meeting participants only on Monday through Friday evenings on the terrace outside the Grand Horizons Ballroom in Covel Commons. The Commons is adjacent to the hotel-style residence halls where meeting participants will stay and serves as the dining facility. The terrace overlooks the beautiful UCLA campus. Join your colleagues for a glass of wine, beer, or soft drinks at the end of the day to discuss mathematical issues (blackboards will be provided) or simply to watch the sunset.

On Saturday, August 5, 2000 All participants are invited to a reception at the new NSF-funded Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM). See www.ipam.ucla.edu/ for more information on this new institute, whose main purpose is to encourage the cross-fertilization between mathematics and other scientific disciplines and to broaden the range of mathematical techniques used in science. Time to be announced.

UCLA Department of Mathematics invites all participants to a reception on Monday, August 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Association for Women in Mathematics: Carolyn R. Mahoney, California State University, San Marcos, will speak and lead a discussion on Demographic trends and challenges for mathematics, on Monday evening, August 7, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. The talk and discussion following will be of interest to a general audience. A reception will follow.

Ticketed Events

Based on availability, tickets for the Barbecue and Millennium Banquet will be sold at the meeting.

Getty Museum Tour-Sunday August 6, 2000

The Getty offers a vast collection of European paintings, decorative arts, Old Master drawings, medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, and American and European photographs. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature tranquil gardens and panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Buses will leave the UCLA campus at approximately 10:00 a.m. and return at 3:00 p.m. For those on the UCLA meal plan, box lunches will be provided. There are restaurants at the museum. Cost for this trip is $5/person; there is no charge for a child sitting on an adult's lap. Space is limited, so reserve early during advance registration! See www.getty.edu for more information on special exhibitions, programs, and children's activities.

Southern California Barbecue-Tuesday, August 8, 2000

A Night at the Hollywood Bowl-Thursday, August 10, 2000

Millennium Banquet-Saturday, August 12, 2000