What are some engaging mathematics topics for a STEM Fair presentation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting engaging mathematics topics for a STEM Fair presentation, considering the presenter's background in various mathematical fields such as Differential Equations, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, Number Theory, and Geometry. Participants explore different presentation formats and content ideas that could captivate an audience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Jonathan expresses interest in presenting topics related to Linear Algebra, Number Theory, and Geometry, considering an oral presentation with PowerPoint for visualization.
  • One participant suggests that mathematics can seem boring in presentations and questions how to select engaging topics, mentioning examples like the infinity of primes and the proof that π is transcendental.
  • Another participant recommends using Beamer instead of PowerPoint for a more visually appealing presentation, noting that proofs are better suited for a blackboard format.
  • One participant initially considers using Differential Equations to explain phenomena in other sciences but doubts the audience's engagement, suggesting instead the Seven Bridges Problem in Graph Theory as a more accessible topic.
  • A different participant counters the initial skepticism about Differential Equations, proposing the Predator-Prey Equations as an engaging topic by relating it to real animals and locations, and mentioning the potential for discussing pandemic models like SIR models.
  • Jonathan acknowledges the idea of discussing the Zika outbreak as a potentially engaging topic that could maintain audience interest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the engagement potential of various mathematical topics, particularly regarding Differential Equations. While some believe it may not captivate the audience, others argue that it can be made interesting through real-world applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants' suggestions reflect a range of mathematical topics and presentation styles, but there is no consensus on which specific topic would be the most engaging for the audience.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators looking for ideas on mathematics topics suitable for presentations, particularly in STEM contexts, may find this discussion helpful.

NotGauss
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Hello all, hope all is well.
I come seeking ideas to present at my college's STEM Fair coming up in a few months. To give you idea of my mathematical background, I am currently taking Differential Equations(ODE) and Discrete Math. I have completed Calc I,II, Vector Calculus and Linear Algebra. Of those courses I have completed I enjoyed Linear Algebra the most and I have an personal interest in Number Theory and Geometry.
I have the option to present with a poster or oral presentation but feeling oral would work with some PowerPoint to allow people to visualize the concepts.

I appreciate your time and help,
Jonathan

P.S. GO PANTHERS!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
You know that mathematics can appear boring, even on ppt?
Do you have any ideas already? I mean the spread between almost trivial results, such as the infinity of the number of primes, to a proof that ##\pi## is transcendental. It's not easy to pick something right of the air.

P.S.: GO Broncos!
 
You could use Beamer instead of PowerPoint. It looks a lot better. However, I use slides only for graphics and numerical results. Proofs (even when they are really small) seem to go best on the blackboard.
 
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Originally, I thought about using DEs to explain some phenomena in other sciences, but I think most people would fall asleep five minutes in. One of my professors recommended presenting on Graph Theory and using the Seven Bridges Problem. I like the idea and must everybody will be able to follow. With Graph Theory I am trying to think of a larger scale example that I can complete to present also, to show how it can scale with more complex problems.
 
Jonathan Kyle said:
Originally, I thought about using DEs to explain some phenomena in other sciences, but I think most people would fall asleep five minutes in.
I don't have the same opinion here. (Just as with the other thing ...)

I think the Predator-Prey-Equations can be very exciting: just speak of real animals and locations. My professor did it with reindeer, wolves and snow rabbits in Newfoundland. And he drew interesting vector fields, too.

And considering, e.g. the actual Zika outbreak, or Sars, Ebola or swine flue in the past, pandemics can be very interesting as well.
For this search for SIR models and pandemic diseases.
 
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Fresh, thanks for the idea about Zika outbreak, the crowd might actually stay awake!
 

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