Math Circle Schedule
Fall 2023
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September 10, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Travis Mandel Title: What is an Euler characteristic? Abstract: We know that the number of vertices in a polygon is equal to the number of edges. Is there an analogous statement that holds for surfaces like cubes, prisms, pyramids, etc.? What about for a surface with a hole through the middle, like a donut? What about with two holes? n holes? We'll learn about Euler characteristics to answer these questions and more. Recording (only accessible via this link). |
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September 17, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Mario Morán Cañón Title: May the Codes Be with You: Cryptography in a Galaxy Far, Far Away Abstract: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... During the Clone Wars, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi's ship has been trapped by Separatist General Grievous' fleet. Outnumbered and without a safe way to retreat, he must reach out to the Jedi Council back on Coruscant to request reinforcements and discuss the counterattack strategy. However, the ship's secure channel transmitter has been damaged, and they can only communicate through an open channel, which can also be accessed by the Separatists. Is there any hope for General Kenobi? Yes, thanks to cryptography! In cryptography, we use math to encode a message in such a way that only the intended recipient can read it. Join us, young padawan, and learn how you can share secrets without the enemies of the Galactic Republic knowing how to decipher them. Being a Jedi Knight is not only about using the Force and wielding a lightsaber! |
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September 24, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Peter Patzt Title: Games: How to always win Abstract: Back to the stone age: We will play games with pebbles (or other small objects I find laying around). The games I will propose to play will all have one player strongly advantaged. In fact, there is always one player that can find a strategy to always win. Some of these strategies will be simple and just use symmetry. Others will be more complicated and use the binary number system. And maybe we can come up with a new game together. Pictures: 1. |
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October 1, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Calvin Lin Title: Games of logic Abstract: Join us for an engaging journey into the world of logic and reasoning! In this interactive talk, suitable for ages 10 to 110, we will challenge your logical thinking abilities and put your reasoning skills to the test. Get ready to participate in hands-on activities, team challenges, and lively discussions. Come explore the fascinating world of deductive reasoning, unravel mysteries, and have a blast while doing it. |
October 15, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: TBA Title: TBA Abstract: TBA |
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October 22, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Lauren Grimley Title: TBA Abstract: TBA |
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October 29, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Pratit Goswami Title: TBA Abstract: TBA |
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November 5, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Tomasz Przebinda Title: TBA Abstract: TBA |
November 12, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: TBA Title: TBA Abstract: TBA |
