Mathematics and Cognition  Seminar

Fall 2004

Tuesdays 12:00  GWC 604

Seminar Schedule:<http://math.la.asu.edu/~tom/cognition/math+cogsched.html>
On Tuesday, October 26, at 12:00 Noon in LSE 232,
the Mathematics and Cognition Seminar will
present a visual presentation by Ms. Gayla Chandler of the Department of Mathematics
on the topic of:

"Fractal Geometry in the Grand Canyon"

Abstract.
People of all ages appreciate the night sky and associate what they see with astronomy, which is good PR for astronomy.  Mathematics does not have similar aesthetic associations in the minds of the general public, which we seek to correct.  In this talk, I will show an experiential visual PowerPoint presentation focusing on the Grand Canyon and the nature in and around it. Connections will be made between specific aspects of nature and the mathematical property of Similarity, where parts resemble the whole.  Vacationing families are a significant part of audiences in the Spring and Summer months at the Grand Canyon National Park, where this program will be presented for the first time in November 2004.  The expected audience is for young children through Golden years and assumes some people won’t speak English.  The potential to inject ideas about mathematics and patterns in nature into conversations within family units is crucial to my intent.  The presentation is nontechnical and almost entirely experiential.  For those able to attend, please keep in mind that this is a work in progress.