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

Is there a mathematical pattern to the way that penguins use their nests in South Africa?

  • September 9

The guano that African penguins use as a nesting resource has depleted in recent years; alternate nesting methods, including man-made artificial nests, are being tested out at Dallas Zoo. To track how well these nests work, the amount of eggs laid month by month must be compared to that of natural nests. Analysis of these patterns is valuable information for helping these penguins continue to survive! This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL 2... CONTINUE READING

Do animals all walk with the same pattern, or are there different walk patterns?

  • September 9

Quadrupeds – animals that walk on four legs – move their limbs in many different patterns as they travel. These walking patterns are known as gaits, and each type of gait can be described mathematically and compared to gain insight into animal locomotion! This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL 2115393. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily r... CONTINUE READING

How Does Design Impact Capacity at the Bryan Center Plaza?

  • September 9

Duke University engineering student, Katie takes us on a tour through the Bryan Center Plaza, and shows us how design can impact the capacity of a space - particularly important when social distancing rules are in place! You can access supplementary student activity sheets here: https://talkstem.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/walkSTEM-at-DukeUniversity.pdf .... CONTINUE READING

What Shaped the Design of the Duke Engineering Quad?

  • September 9

We join Duke University engineering student, Katie as we investigate the design principles at play in the Harrington Engineering Quad, and what historical precedents those designs grew out of. Read her blog post about creating this design-themed tour here: https://talkstem.org/designing-a-tour-about-design-thinking-and-enginee... CONTINUE READING

Physics of Dance Workshop – Part 1

  • September 9

Have you ever considered the math and science involved in something as artistic as dance? In this video we take a metaphorical walk through the amazing dance moves demonstrated to us by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Physics especially contributes to dance, and you can learn more about the following properties in this video: Gravity, Center of Gravity, Normal & Gravitational Forces, Angles, Symmetry, Horizontal and Vertical Movement, Momentum... CONTINUE READING

Physics of Dance Workshop – Part 2

  • September 9

Have you ever considered the math and science involved in something as artistic as dance? In this video we take a metaphorical walk through the amazing dance moves demonstrated to us by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Physics especially contributes to dance, and you can learn more about the following properties in this video: Horizontal Momentum, Power of Triangles, Right Angles, Gravity, Center of Gravity... CONTINUE READING

Physics of Dance Workshop – Part 3

  • September 9

Have you ever considered the math and science involved in something as artistic as dance? In this video we take a metaphorical walk through the amazing dance moves demonstrated to us by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Physics especially contributes to dance, and you can learn more about the following properties in this video: Friction, Horizontal and Vertical Momentum, Torque, Center of Gravity, Inertia, Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, Angular Momentum... CONTINUE READING

Physics of Dance Workshop – Part 4

  • September 9

Have you ever considered the math and science involved in something as artistic as dance? In this video we take a metaphorical walk through the amazing dance moves demonstrated to us by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Physics especially contributes to dance, and you can learn more about the following properties in this video: Gravity and Friction... CONTINUE READING

Physics of Dance Workshop – Part 5

  • September 9

Have you ever considered the math and science involved in something as artistic as dance? In this video we take a metaphorical walk through the amazing dance moves demonstrated to us by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Physics especially contributes to dance, and you can learn more about the following properties in this video: Angles, Horizontal and Vertical Momentum... CONTINUE READING