Virginia Mathematics Teacher Spring 2017

disempowers these stereotypes. By teaching our students how Stereotype Threat and Imposter Syn- drome work, while simultaneously reinforcing the fact that essentializing stereotypes are not in any way absolute truths, we have the power to change the way in which girls approach math and perceive themselves as potential mathematicians. We have the power to re-educate our classrooms as to the harmful effects of stereotyping and the means by which stereotypes continue to live on with validity. Ultimately, we have the power to strip stereotypes of their power, by altering our societal belief sys- tem, one believer at a time. References Hollinger, C. L. (1985). Self-perceptions of abil

Neuville, E. & Croizet, JC. Eur J (2007). Psychol Educ 22 , 307. Spencer, S. J., Steel, C. M., Quinn, D. (1999). “Stereotype Threat and Women's Math Performance.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 35, 4 - See more at: http:// www.scientistafoundation.com/ imposture-ef fect.html#sthash.brmHTRKq.dpuf Steele, Claude M. (1997)."A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual iden tity and perfor mance". American Psy chologist. 52 (6), 613–629. Wang, J. (2006). An empirical study of gender dif ference in the relationship between self- concept and mathematics achievement in a cross-cultural context. Educational Psy chology, 26 (5), 689.

ity of mathematically talented female adolescents. Psychology of Women Quarterly , 9 (3), 323.

Busting Block Busters!

Many Hollywood movies have scenes that seem mathematically inaccurate if not impossible. Are these scenes truly impossible, or are they more plausible than they seem? The goal of the contest is to provide the best mathematical explanations for the following scene. The solutions that best explain a scene’s possibility or impossibility and the different elements that help form this will receive an award and the winner will be featured in the Fall issue. Answers may be submitted by July 31, 2017 to VMT@radford.edu with the subject line: Busting Blockbusters entry.

When accused of having a stray rocket cause a forest fire, October Sky’s Homer decides to use some math to prove his innocence. The only question is, did he succeed? Are his calculations accurate, or did he leave some things up in the air? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udHB3tftPz4 This issue of Busting Block Busters is contributed by Dr. Neil Sigmon, Department of Math and Statistics, Radford University

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