Science & Environment. Art and Science: Art, Maths and the Universe. Zac Kenton discusses the mathematical basis of the great artist M.C. Escher M.C. Escher is famous for his mathematical artwork, using tessellating shapes, warped perspectives and varying geometries From the puzzling works of M. C. The most defining example of this interaction can be found in the work of M.C. M. Geometry is the study of the relationships between lines, points and surfaces. Escher used more than one kind of geometry in his art. 1. shows Euclidean, 2.
But we can relax the Parallel Postulate, constructing new geometries which differ to Euclidean geometry, each with their own intrinsic beauty. Elliptic geometry is best understood by imagining the surface of a sphere. Escher’s Balcony illustrates the beauty of elliptic geometry In contrast, hyperbolic geometry cannot be thought of in terms of aeroplanes and the Earth’s surface. Not only is hyperbolic geometry beautiful, it also has physical applications. Circle Limit I uses hyperbolic geometry. All M.C. Editorial, Maths education. March 2005 This issue's Pluschat topics Wisdom from above - An intriguing debate in the House of Lords on standards in maths educationReaders' corner - How many computers does the world need?
Wisdom from above The Houses of Parliament Inspired by the Smith Report into post 14 maths education, there was a discussion in the House of Lords on 19th January 2005 about the state of maths teaching in our schools. Plus has already examined Smith's report (see The permanent revolution and Post-14 post-Smith), though perhaps not at such length or as politely as it was examined by the honourable Lords, but reading through the Hansard transcripts, we were struck by a number of gems which we felt were worth bringing to a wider audience. Lord Preston said that he had looked through some recent A level papers - and been able to do all the questions. Baroness Sharp of Guildford warned that 30% of those who spend 10 years studying mathematics in our schools come out with no qualification in the subject. Editorial, mathematics education, mathematics in the media, public understanding of mathematics, adrian smith. September 2005 This issue's Pluschat topics Where is the next generation?
- more bad news for maths education.Can Plus cure crazy scientists? - the science stereotype persists. Where is the next generation? Maths education at school has come under attack again, this time from the UK Mathematics Foundation. A preliminary report on the meeting was released in June, and, like the Smith report, gives a damning verdict on the state of mathematics in the UK: "the present situation is far worse than is generally admitted ... at every level the UK is no longer producing sufficient competent mathematicians to supply the bulk of its core needs".
The government's responses to the Smith report were, the report says, inadequate. We know, of course that many of you Plus readers out there are precisely members of that "next generation", and those who teach, motivate and inspire it. You can read the preliminary report on this University of Manchester web page. Can Plus cure crazy scientists? Plus.maths.org. Unqualified Maths Teachers Common In New Zealand. Last updated 18:00 07/10/2013 EVA BRADLEY/Fairfax NZ NOT ADDING UP: After 30 years as a maths teacher, Jill Gray is concerned that low morale among the profession is affecting the number of those choosing to become teachers. "If I was going through university now I don’t think teaching would be on my horizon. " One-third of students in their first year at high school are being taught maths by a teacher not qualified in the subject, a new report says. While New Zealand's teachers had high qualifications, they were not always qualified in the subjects they taught.
The New Zealand Initiative report released yesterday drew a link between teachers' mathematical prowess and students' grades. "New Zealand has some excellent teachers, but too many ineffective teachers," the report said. The research shows that strong knowledge is particularly crucial when children are being taught maths. Ms Patterson said schools' inability to attract high quality maths teachers was to blame. - © Fairfax NZ News Comments.