Crochet, Geometry, and the Coral Reef

Friday, October 15, 2010

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Crocheted Coral Reef (The Institute For Figuring)

Science and Creativity
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Until recently, mathematicians believed you couldn't represent hyperbolic geometry in real space, but a Latvian math professor discovered a way — using crochet. Some science educators realized those same hyperbolic shapes mimicked the forms in coral reefs. And now their Crochet Coral Reef Project has landed at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History. Produced by Britta Conroy-Randall.

Music Playlist

I’m 9 Today

Artist: Mum

Album: Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is Ok

Label: 2005 Morr Music

Purchase: Amazon
Faraway Swimingpool

Artist: Mum

Album: Finally We Are No One

Label: Fat Cat

Purchase: Amazon

Produced by:

Britta Conroy-Randall

Comments [4]

Carl from Chattanooga, TN

I love the Mum.

Oct. 25 2010 04:35 PM

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zabby from sarasota, fl

WOW! I listened in today and realized the connection between geometry, art and gender- wait, I'm sure that's not a slip of sorts.

Thanks. I'm sending the link to my fellow cross-curriculum teachers.

-z-

Oct. 17 2010 06:09 PM

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Joan Adler from Philadelphia

This is amazing. Dr. Daina Taimina deserves a Nobel prize for developing a concrete method for demonstrating a hyperbolic space model for math education and translating math to the general population, as well as offering mathematicians a tangible model of a math concept.

Oct. 16 2010 08:30 AM

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Jacqueline Conroy from Cairns Australia

complex mathematics-crochet handicrafts-effects of global warming-risk to a natural wonder of our planet-gender imbalance - limitations of our social structure - concepts of solution - "Play Tanks"
As children we learn through play - social, physics, mathematics and language.

Great story - wonder-full, comforting, informative as well as showcasing the confluences of age-less wisdom and intelligence.

Oct. 15 2010 05:49 PM

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