The Dance of Maths at the Rangi Ruru Math Camp January 2010
Bill and nine students worked through this presentation: "Tricks and Tangles." We looked at number and rope tricks and then explored how two ropes can get tangled as part of a mathematical dance. Now that I'm retired, I'm more involved with contra and square dance, but this topic combines math and dance. Check out the videos "Knotted" and "Undancing t t t". The material comes from a square dance with ropes invented by John Conway and discussed on the bottom of page 10 in his article The Power of Mathematics.
Sponsorship wanted to continue and expand this project.
The dance of mathematics has proved a successful way of improving the image of mathematics and related science.
The project has been extremely successful in enthusing the wider public about mathematics. Over 2500 person hours of exposure were generated with the barn dance and math events. Top mathematicians conveyed their passion and knowledge. Additionally the media picked up on the project and over 70000 person hours of media exposure were generated.
If your organization is interesting in helping, please contact Bill Baritompa.
The Dance of Mathematics (as seen on TV!)
What is it?
A series of rural community events - a traditional NZ barn dance in the evening followed by maths entertainment the next day.
What's the purpose?
To see the human face of mathematics - meet the practitioners in a social setting and learn about what makes them keen about maths.
Who's behind it?
The project is funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand with support from the University of Canterbury Mathematics and Statistics department.
What do we have to do?
Interested? Contact: Bill Baritompa