Explore the RSE school talks on mathematics.
Dr Michael J. Barany
Numbers and calculations play a major role in our modern world. That role has grown and changed over time, responding to changes in science, technology, and society. This presentation uses history to understand and then rethink what makes numbers and calculations powerful, useful, difficult, and sometimes a bit naughty. We will look at how past users of numbers have thought about their promises and limitations and how they used numbers to understand and change the world around them. We will conclude by trying to make sense (including the sense of smell) of a 600-year-old fart joke, and what it tells us about numbers and modern society.
Dr Craig Anderson
The air we breathe every day is contaminated by small particles of dust and chemicals. In small amounts these are not normally harmful to our health, but high levels of air pollution can be dangerous. Around 30,000 deaths per year in the UK are linked to air pollution. The Scottish government has around 100 air quality monitoring stations across the country which measure the level of these pollutants in our air. This talk will show you how we can use statistical modelling to take the information from these stations to estimate pollution levels across the entire country.
Activities to support the curriculum for excellence
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), offers free school talks, aimed at P6-S6, at any point during the school terms, either in person at your school or online.
To discuss talk availability for your school, or more information, please get in touch with us by email Jessica Fletcher on [email protected] or by the enquiry form:
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