During this Math Circle, we used mathematical models to investigate a range of topics including physics, nutrition and food waste, neuroscience, and political economics. We studied the history of yupanas, a form of abacus used by the Incas. Students explored a range of theories about how yupanas may have worked, and tried those methods out to see if they seemed practical. We discussed mathematical topics from differential calculus, including the history and philosophy of calculus, the definition of the derivative, using the binomial theorem to find derivatives of polynomial functions, understanding the definition of the function e to the x, and finding Taylor polynomials for non-polynmial functions. We also dabbled in topics from differential equations and complex analysis. We made several field trips this semester, including one to the Notre Dame nuclear physics lab, and one to learn about remote sensing from Notre Dame's JINA program (Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics. We visited Ivy Tech Community College several times to work with Biotechnology Professor George Twaddle. During those visits students inserted plasmids including a glowing green marker into bacteria and determined the rate of efficiency of the transfer method.
Dates: Jan 27, 2012 – May 25, 2012
River Park Branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library
