Month:

Is there anything mathematical about a visual pattern like the giraffe coat pattern?

  • September 9

The spots on a giraffe's coat are made up of various geometric patterns,. Each giraffe has their own unique pattern of spots; additionally, each type of giraffe has their own pattern-determining rules. Properties of these patterns, and differences between them, are discussed, as well as how these differences can be used to identify different types of giraffe. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL 2115393. Any opinions, findings, and conclus... CONTINUE READING

How Did the Artist Make a 3D Parabolic Curve?

  • September 9

A high school student from Greenhill School looks at selected artworks at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art through the lens of Mathematics. What seems like a random and organic, but balanced shape actually has its origins in mathematics. Ronak shows us how this sculpture at the Museum of Geometric and MADI art is a product of graceful geometry. Note: the pen and paper example cited is actually a related geometric shape, the hyperbola. To learn more about the difference between a parabola and... CONTINUE READING

Which mass travels faster?

  • September 9

Ronald Kirk Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Trinity River in Dallas, connecting downtown Dallas and West Dallas. It is over 2,000 feet long and 60 feet wide. At the Ronald Kirk Bridge, talkSTEM members, Michael and Mary, did an experiment to see which would travel down the Trinity River the fastest - the thicker or thinner stick. Make your hypothesis - would heavier or lighter mass travel faster? Watch the video to find out!... CONTINUE READING

What is Symmetry? – Turtle Pond

  • September 9

Can you find symmetry at a Turtle Pond? Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, as you discover the hidden symmetry found all around you at NorthPark Center's Turtle Pond. What symmetry do you notice around you? This video was supported by NorthPark Center. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grade levels are freely available here: htt... CONTINUE READING

What shapes are in turtles and other living things? – Turtle Pond

  • September 9

Do you know why turtles' shells are shaped the way they are? What about the pattern on the shell? Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, as you discover different shapes found in turtles at NorthPark Center and other living things. This video was supported by NorthPark Center. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grade levels are freely available here:... CONTINUE READING

How do the Hammering Men move?

  • September 9

How did the artist create movement in this sculpture? Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, as you discover the power of 4 bar linkages, and how they enable the arms of the Hammering Men to move. This video was supported by NorthPark Center. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grade levels are freely available here: https://talkstem.... CONTINUE READING

What’s the Mathematical Mystery Here? Fountain

  • September 9

Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, as you discover the mystery hidden in a seemingly regular fountain at NorthPark Center. This video was supported by NorthPark Center. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grade levels are freely available here: https://talkstem.org/talkstem-activity-guides/... CONTINUE READING

How symmetrical is a Buckyball?

  • September 9

Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, as you discover the most symmetrical object at NorthPark Center- the Buckyball! Learn how to determine how symmetrical a shape is, and what makes the Buckyball so special. This video was supported by NorthPark Center. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grade levels are freely available here: htt... CONTINUE READING

What is a trapezoid?

  • September 9

Join us on a math walk where we look for geometric shapes at Dallas City Hall. The building reminds us of a triangle embedded in the ground. The result looks like a trapezoid. What is a trapezoid? What other shapes can you recognize in this building? How can we measure the angle made by the building? This video was supported by City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.... CONTINUE READING

How do you compare shapes?

  • September 9

What is this oversized sculpture? How can we use science to appreciate this art piece and math to understand more about it? Visit Dallas City Hall Plaza and explore "The Dallas Piece" for yourself. This video was supported by City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.... CONTINUE READING