Join Dr. Eugenia Cheng as she leads three afternoon workshops from July 23rd to the 25th! This program is free and any current student in grades 9-12 can apply.
Dr. Cheng is an internationally famous mathematician, author, pianist, and chef! Her books include How to Bake Pi and Beyond Infinity, and she regularly writes for the Wall Street Journal; check out her Ted talks (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfdFw3hXkf0) and appearance on the Stephen Colbert Show (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA402F5K47o) on Youtube. Currently she is the scientist in residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
From Dr. Cheng:
“Math isn't just about numbers and equations. It's not just about solving problems or getting the right answer. So what is it about? In this mini camp we will explore high level abstract math in an open-ended and accessible way, particularly appealing to visual and hands-on learners. We will emphasize creativity rather than following rules, discovery and investigation rather than facts, choices and possibilities rather than right and wrong, and structures to be built rather than problems to be solved. We will delve into some abstract mathematics typically only seen in grad school, or in advanced undergrad math classes, but which I have been teaching to art students at SAIC for several years. In the process we will see how math helps us think more clearly about anything and everything in the world around us, with specific examples including questions of social justice including tolerance, privilege, prejudice and equality. Thus we will see that "abstract" doesn't mean "irrelevant", but rather, that abstract thinking can help us understand urgent issues in the world around us. The only prerequisites are curiosity and an open-mind about what math really is.”
Program Information:
* Workshops will be held from 12:30PM-3:30PM on July 23rd, 24th, and 25th at Payton Prep, 1034 N. Wells.
* 20 students will be invited to attend.
* To apply, students must complete the lottery registration at
www.mathcirclesofchicago.org/register along with this google form.
* Complete the application by May 18th; we will begin to notify students about admission on May 20th.
