On the initiative of the University of Gdańsk, the Pomeranian Regional Assembly has declared 2015 the Year of Mathematics in Pomerania. This is a first for Poland. The events planned for the occasion are designed to popularise mathematics and to combat the negative stereotypes associated with this branch of science. The University of Gdańsk has prepared competitions, TV shows, maths matches, lectures, workshops and meetings for pupils at all levels of education.
Many interesting events have been planned for children, pupils at all levels of education, teachers and residents of Pomerania. The idea for the Year of Mathematics in Pomerania comes from the University of Gdańsk, with the Pomeranian University in Słupsk and the Technical University of Gdańsk joining the initiative. The Pomeranian Regional Assembly has declared 2015 the Year of Mathematics in Pomerania. The celebration was inaugurated on 21 January 2015 at the University of Gdańsk.
“In order to educate the people necessary for a future innovative economy in Pomerania, we need teachers who will teach mathematics in such a way that it will become a passion and who will show that it is not difficult. This, apart from educating computer experts and other workers for local companies, and equipping them with all the modern tools and competences, is one of the most important tasks of the University of Gdańsk”, says Prof. dr hab. Bernard Lammek, Rector of the University of Gdańsk.
So far the Year of Mathematics in Pomerania has seen maths matches for secondary schools, games and lectures as part of the Pomeranian Night of Mathematics and Days of Pi, a series of lectures, workshops and meetings – “No career without Mathematics”, the screening of mathematics films and a series of open lectures “The World is Mathematical”.
Soon we will see latest events organised by the University of Gdańsk as part of the Year of Mathematics in Pomerania.
The Mathematical Garden at the University of Gdańsk – On Children’s Day, 1 June, there will be a “Mathematical Garden” at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science for pupils from the 1-3 classes of primary school. On this special day, kids will be treated to attractions such as a mathematical fairy tale How the Dwarves learnt to Count, “Mathematical flower beds”, a gaming room, tangrams and geodesic domes.
Lecture from the series “The World is Mathematical” – On 10 June Professor Józef H. Przytycki from George Washington University and the University of Gdańsk will present a lecture “ From the Tricolourability of Knots to the Yang-Baxter Operator”.
One-Frame Comic Competition – the one-frame comic competition is still running. The aim is to transform an image selected from the gallery at https://mat.ug.edu.pl/rm2015/?c=komiks, which shows a famous mathematician, into a single comic frame by adding a comment in a speech-bubble.
The competition is organised by the University of Gdańsk’s Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science.
The deadline for entries is 15 June 2015 and results will be announced as early as 17 June. There will be attractive prizes for the winners.
Mathematical Origami Competition – involves creating a work of modular origami (mathematical structures). The competition is open to all pupils from the Pomeranian area. The works submitted will be presented in the form of a public exhibition. An auction is also to take place, the proceeds from which will be used for charitable purposes. The deadline for submissions is XXXXXX. The final will be held this coming November at the University of Gdańsk.
Competition “Maths on a Plate” – Delicacies for the Year of Mathematics”, organised by the Institute of Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science of the University of Gdańsk. Gdańsk’s School of Gastronomy and Hotel Management together with the Teacher Education Centre are also taking part in the organisation of the competition. Competitors will learn curious facts relating to maths and its history. They will also be honing their creativity by seeking new inspirations. Teams of two with a tutor will be expected to prepare and present a main dish or dessert. Registration closes on 18 September 2015. The competition itself will be held on 10 October 2015 in Gdańsk.
Translation: Magda Moran and Sean Moran
