SMRI is hosted two talks at the University of Sydney on Saturday 26 August, presented by mathematician Quan Lam from the Berkeley Math Circle (University of California Berkeley). Copies of the slides for both talks are now available on the event page.
Numbers Are Not So Simple: Primary school maths talk 10:00–11:30 AEST
We’ll explore the topic of numbers, including: 1. The evolution of our number system 2. The importance of “zero” 3. Mysteries and patterns of numbers 4. Myths about some of the common properties of numbers We may even have time to briefly explore the mystery of “infinity”.
Event format : 1 hour talk, followed by 30 minutes Q&A. This talk is for primary school students in Sydney and their teachers. Students should be familiar with basic fractions (advanced knowledge of mathematics is not needed). Teachers of all subjects are welcome.
Being Average: High school maths talk, 13:00–15:00 AEST
Join mathematician Quan Lam for this maths talk for secondary school students and teachers. We’ll explore the following topics:
1. What are some of the different kinds of “averages”? 2. When should we use them? 3. What are their applications? 4. How do we use these different types of averages and their relationships to solve difficult math problems?
Event format : 1.5 hour talk, followed by 30 minutes Q&A.
This talk is for secondary school students in Sydney and their teachers. Students should be familiar with simple algebra (advanced knowledge of mathematics is not needed). Teachers of all subjects are welcome.
Quan will also discuss Math Circles, the World Mathematics Team Championship and American/International Regions Mathematics League competitions, and maths education.
About the speaker: Professor Quan Lam is a mathematics lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a key organiser of the
Berkeley Math Circle, which aims to challenge younger minds with mathematical activities and competitions. Math Circles introduce kids to the wonders of mathematics and encourage them to undertake future careers linked with mathematics. Quan Lam carried out his undergraduate studies at California Institute of Technology and his graduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley. He is the Founder and Chairman of the
World Mathematics Team Championship, the Chairman of the
International Regions Math League and the Chairman and President of the
United Math Circle Foundation.
