Cornell Mathematics Outreach
Saturday Workshops for Teachers
Math 508 - Teaching Secondary Mathematics
406 Malott Hall
March 8, 2008
9:00-2:30
8:45-9:00 Welcome
(juice and bagels provided)
9:00-10:30 What Has
1½ Dimensions?
Presenter:
Dave Bock, Cornell Math Department
Fractal
geometry is an intriguing new branch of mathematics. We've all heard the buzz
and seen the pretty pictures, but just what is a fractal anyway? We'll explore the
features of fractal objects, see that they are all around us (and within us!),
and come to understand the intriguing concept of non-integral dimension. No
fancy math needed – just an open mind!
10:45-12:00 What Did I Mean to Say? (An introduction to error-control codes)
Presenter:
Ken Brown, Cornell Math Department
Error-control codes are used to
correct (or at least detect) data that has been corrupted. Once you know where
to look, you will start to see these codes all around you. Compact disks use
them, satellites that transmit photographs from space use them, and almost all
identification numbers use them (ISBNs on books, UPC codes on groceries,
drivers license numbers...). I
will show a few examples of error-control codes and give some hints about the
math that makes them work.
12:00-12:30 Lunch (pizza provided)
12:30-1:30 Trisecting
the Angle (It's not so hard, is it?)
Presenter: Sarah
Koch, Cornell Math Department
There
are many geometric objects that one can construct with a straight-edge and a
compass. However, there are some limitations: in the early nineteenth century,
Galois proved that it is impossible to trisect an angle. During this talk, we
use origami and folding to show that it is possible to trisect the angle with
these tools. We also use origami to construct some other unconstructable
things.
1:30-2:30
Flatland:
A Journey of Many Dimensions
Starring: Martin Sheen, Kristen Bell, Michael
York, with follow-up
commentary by Brown University mathematician Thomas
Banchoff
We'll
watch the newly released animated feature of political intrigue and imagination
based Edwin Abbott's classic novel. Updated for a modern audience, the story
challenges viewers to grasp the limitations of their assumptions about reality
and to think about the idea of higher dimensions. (The DVD is available for
loan.)