Sonia Kovalevsky was a renowned mathematician, writer, and advocate for women's rights in the 19th century. In her honor, The Third Annual Sonia Kovalevsky High School Mathematics Day is being organized by The University of Iowa Mathematics Department.  This project seeks to engage young women through a variety of hands-on problem solving and learning activities. High school aged women in Iowa are invited to a day long program featuring workshops and opportunities for social interaction among peers who share a passion for math. The goal is to preserve that passion leading to more women choosing to study science and math and to pursue careers in these areas.
 

SONIA KOVALEVSKY'S ROLE IN MATHEMATICS FOR WOMEN:

Sonia Kovalevsky is regarded as one of world's best mathematicians of her time. She was the first woman member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the first modern European woman to attain full professorship. Sonia Kovalevsky established the first significant result in the general theory of partial differential equations, won the Prix Bordin, was an editor of a prominent mathematics journal, and was also a gifted writer. Although society at that time did not allow women to succeed in academia, Sonia Kovalevsky had positive mentors in her life that supported her pursuit of a career in mathematics.

Unfortunately, many young women do not pursue careers in the sciences due to a lack of role models or because they don't know what career options are available to them.  Sonia Kovalevsky Day 2008 is an opportunity to engage your female students in a day of networking, mentoring, and fun!
 

Sonia Kovalevsky Day  Tentative Schedule -

Saturday, April 5, 2008

The day will begin with a welcome from University of Iowa President Sally Mason. This year’s theme, "Math: Can you see it?" places a focus on visual mathematics. Events aimed at exploring this theme include an origami session with Cornell College professor Jim Freeman, a lesson on generating fractals with computers by graduate student Colin McKinney, a showing of the 2007 film Flatland, and math games.

We will also have a career panel where our participants will have the chance to hear from women who study math, teach math, and use math in other careers. There will be separate parent/teacher sessions, which will focus on the mentoring of young women as well as teaching and discovery of math.

All events will take place in the John Pappajohn Business building (click here for a map) on the University of Iowa main campus. To view promotional event posters click here and here.

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WHAT ELSE?

Each participant will receive the following: