Scientifica 2021: numbers, graphs and origami
"How we count. What counts?", "Mathematical sightseeing" and "Paper folding art meets maths" were the titles of the workshops offered by the Department as part of Scientifica 2021.
For physics student Nadine and her colleague Luca, the workshop "How we count. What counts?" was a premiere. The workshop was newly added to the programme and introduced participants to the topic of modular arithmetic. Using describable prisms and multiplication tables, as well as other aids, the two workshop hosts searched together with the participants for groups of numbers with special properties.
In the "Mathematical sightseeing" workshop on graph theory, the participants used a city map to search for a path across the bridges of the historic city of Königsberg. The aim was to find out whether there is a way to cross all seven bridges exactly once before returning to the starting point. The participants were accompanied by mathematics student Niko and his colleague Luca, who were able to explain to them with the help of graphs in which cases there is a path and in which cases there is not.
The workshop "Paper folding art meets maths" concluded both days. It was held by Senior Scientist Laura Keller together with doctoral students of the Department. Equipped only with paper, coloured pencils and a ruler, Laura showed the participants how to divide any given angle into three parts using a special folding technique. A problem from geometry that cannot be solved with a ruler and compass.
Unfortunately, the number of participants at this year's Scientifica was below expectations. Nevertheless, five of the six workshops offered could be held. The feedback from the participating parents and children was positive throughout.