19th September 2013, 4:00pm
Juggling: Theory and Practice – Trainee teacher lecture, Colin Wright
Abstract
Juggling has fascinated people for centuries. Seemingly oblivious to gravity, the skilled practitioner will keep several objects in the air at one time, and weave complex patterns that seem to defy analysis.
In this talk the speaker demonstrates a selection of the patterns and skills of juggling while at the same time developing a simple method of describing and annotating a class of juggling patterns. By using elementary mathematics these patterns can be classified, leading to a simple way to describe those patterns that are known already, and a technique for discovering new ones.
This talk is suitable for most ages. Those with some mathematical background will find plenty to keep them occupied, and those less experienced can enjoy the juggling as well as the exploration and exposition of this ancient skill.
Colin Wright graduated in 1982 from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Pure Mathematics, and went on to receive his doctorate in 1990 from Cambridge University, England. While at Cambridge he also learned how to fire-breathe, unicycle, juggle and ballroom dance. Since then he has worked as a research mathematician, a computer programmer, and an electronics hardware designer, taking time to give presentations all over the world on “Juggling – Theory and Practice.” Colin also enjoys sailing small boats and playing bridge, although not (so far) at the same time.
Venue: Room C5.1, Ellen Wilkinson Building, School of Education at Manchester University
No charge is made to attend meetings and non-members are welcome.
