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Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: April 2, 2004
Author: Pamela Emery

MATH HIGHLIGHTED IN ART, PUZZLES AND MORE TOMORROW

There seems to be designated months for everything. Nutrition Awareness is in September, February is National Cherry Month, and National Baked Bean Month is in July.

Did you know, though, that April is designated by the American Mathematical Society as Math Awareness Month? 

What can you find that does not involve mathematics? Not much, really. Math is involved in building furniture, creating computer software, designing engines and determining their fuel efficiency, and even laser-leveling farm fields. Mathematics is sometimes technical but always applicable. With numbers, all kinds of things can be estimated, measured, charted, predicted, and solved.

What better way to celebrate Math Awareness Month than by sharing it with those that have a passion for it. Join Jesus DeLoera, math advisor for the UC Davis Math Club, and club members at Explorit tomorrow between 1 and 4 p.m. They are bringing lots of interactive activities. DeLoera describes mathematics as "undeniably the language of science and technology."

The activities are divided into a variety of sections:

What is the Shape of Space?
An educational movie makes one think about the topography of space. It is known that Earth is spherical. But what about the shape of the universe? Is it flat, round, or some other shape? What would it be like if the earth were flat? This movie is intended for viewers young and old. Each person will think, wonder, and appreciate how space impacts us all.

Bubbles and Geometry
Blowing bubbles is a favorite springtime activity. What makes bubbles take the shapes they do? Why are some spherical and others in shapes of polygons? What shape is the face where two bubbles intersect? How many geometrical shapes can one make with bubble solution? Is there a consistent color that bubbles have just prior to breaking?

Fractal Art
The UC Davis Math Club has married math concepts with art to create unique computer animation. Have fun observing and creating with these unique programs. Learn what a fractal is.

The Mathematics of Networks
John Muir, the famous naturalist said that you cannot fully understand one living thing without observing those things that are connected to it. It is true that there are interconnections between everything. Mathematics can be used to predict and find patterns. Visitors will be able to perform geometric coloring challenges and relate mathematics to the current Explorit exhibit, "Networks in Nature: The Original World Wide Web."

Mathematical Puzzles
A day of math adventure would not be complete without brainteasers. Determine the fastest route for a traveling salesperson, perform math-magic, and more.

"Math Mania," presented by the UC Davis Math Club, is free with paid admission to the museum. It's a great way to begin celebrating April, the Math Awareness Month.

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With the Davis school district and other area districts on spring break next week, Explorit is expanding their public hours. Next week, April 5 through 9, Explorit will be open from 1 to 4:30 each day, including Monday when Explorit is typically closed.

In addition to the extended hours, the museum is offering a week of parent/child workshops. Learn about insects, the dynamics of flight and fun ways to dye eggs in these workshops which require adult participation. Workshops on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon are $3 ($6 for non-members) and include admission to the exhibit. Drop-in workshops on Tuesday and Thursday are free with paid admission to the exhibit. For more details call Explorit or visit their Web site.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition "Networks in Nature: The Original World Wide Web" runs through June 6. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.