For immediate release: Aug. 30, 2007

BLOOMSBURG — An author whose books reinforce the idea that every child can be good at math will present the first program in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania’s 2007-08 Provost’s Lecture Series Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4 and 5.

Greg Tang, the author of seven books including “The Grapes of Math,” “Math-terpieces” and “Math Potatoes,” will present two area programs, sponsored by BU. In an Oct. 4 workshop at Greenwood Friends School, Millville, he will demonstrate his teaching techniques with students in kindergarten through eighth grade; an Oct. 5 program, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BU’s campus, will focus on how his books can be used in various teaching situations.

According to Elizabeth Mauch, associate professor of math, computer science and statistics, Tang’s programs are open to the public free of charge, but registration is required. About 100 BU education majors and 50 current teachers are expected to attend the sessions that are designed for pre-service and in-service teachers. Several openings remain for the public, and Act 48 credit will be awarded.

Tang earned bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from Harvard and has worked as a business executive, speechwriter, software designer and owner of a Tae Kwon Do school. The father of three children, he realized that many young students and their parents confuse “counting on their fingers” for “adding.” His books use tricks and techniques, such as looking at groups of items as “squares,” counting by fives and looking for pairs. They also find math in not-so-obvious places, like art history, fables and holidays.

To register for the Oct. 4 program, call Mauch at (570) 389-4103. To register for the Oct. 5 program, complete the application form at http://orgs.bloomu.edu/msc/index.htm; registration and lunch will be provided free of charge for the first 200 applicants. Signed copies of Tang’s books will be available both days with a 10 percent discount for those ordered in advance.

Programs in the Provost’s Lecture Series, all open to the public free of charge, bring experts to BU to discuss academic issues and research findings in a variety of disciplines.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Professional Studies, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.