Non-Euclidean, non-Newtonian, and non-stop fun!

Szia from Aly, Quinn, Rosemary, and Stephanie. Today was our last day of class and a big day for our cultural projects!

We started our day with a math colloquium at 10. Dr. Agnes Szilard taught us about Euclidean, spherical, and hyperbolic space and how the type of space affects angles of different shapes. In spherical geometry, a triangle can have three right angles! She also told us how Euclid’s 5th Axiom was independently solved by three mathematicians. From the picture below, you may be able to guess which of the three was Hungarian.

After a break for lunch, we had our last lesson of the term, which focused on Pythagorean triples (any set of x, y, and z where x2 + y2 = z2). We learned helpful formulas for finding these triples and the proof of why these formulas work!

After class, Aly, Quinn, and Rosemary headed to the Refugee Ministry to finish up preparations for a science workshop for kids. There was a great deal of running around and last minute shopping, but it worked out in the end. We prepared a demonstration of different-colored fire using various chemicals, and miraculously, no one was hurt. 

(Note: for privacy reasons we are not including any pictures of the kids at the event.)

The calm before the storm

There was also Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that the kids enjoyed immensely. They got to make it themselves, customizing it with food coloring, and even take some home. They explored the interaction between acids and bases with lemon volcanoes and invisible ink. Others made origami for a calmer experience, exploring different shapes and symmetries. There was also a very short-lived experiment of blowing up balloons using vinegar and baking soda, but that was shut down for being “too dangerous” (although the fire was fine?). 

The aftermath

A lot of kids only spoke Ukrainian, so we are very grateful for the help of Emese’s students to translate for us. Overall, it was a rewarding experience, and we enjoyed getting to know some of the older kids. In a rare moment of downtime before the event started, Mer gave Quinn an emergency haircut. 

While others were at the science workshop, Stephanie and Cole worked on their cultural project. Their project focuses on art and math, so they went to the Light Art Museum that is advertised on large columns around the city. The museum was full of kinetic sculptures, light projections, and optical illusions. Cole and Stephanie marveled at the range of pieces, struggled to understand some of the symbolism, and spent a lot of time trying to figure out the mechanics behind each exhibit. It was, overall, quite enjoyable.

Some particularly interesting pieces at the LAM

We are really excited to see what everyone has to share about their cultural projects next week!

– AQRS, signing off for the last time :(