Math Circle Schedule

Fall 2023

Picture of Travis Mandel

September 10, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 323
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.

Slides.

Recording (only accessible via this link).

Pictures: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.


Picture of Mario Moran Canon

September 17, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
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!

Worksheet and Ceaser circle

Pictures: 1, 2, 3, 4.


Picture of Peter Patzt

September 24, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
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.


Picture of Calvin Lin

October 1, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
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

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019.

Speaker: TBA

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA


Picture of Lauren Grimley

October 22, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019.

Speaker: Lauren Grimley

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA


Picture of Pratit Goswami

October 29, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019.

Speaker: Pratit Goswami

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA


Picture of Tomasz Przebinda

November 5, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019.

Speaker: Tomasz Przebinda

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA


November 12, 2023

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location:
University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105
601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019.

Speaker: TBA

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA