British Society for the History of Mathematics

Motivations for Mathematics

The Science Museum Smith Centre, London, 21 November 2009, 2-5.30pm

THIS MEETING IS FULLY BOOKED. We have sent emails confirming details to all those who have registered and supplied an email address. If you have posted your registration form and haven't received this email then please contact Noel-Ann Bradshaw (N.Bradshaw@gre.ac.uk) as soon as possible.

Organiser: Jane Wess, Science Museum
BSHM Organiser: Noel-Ann Bradshaw (N.Bradshaw@gre.ac.uk)

‘Motivations for Mathematics’ is an afternoon of talks to accompany a temporary exhibition in the Smith Centre of the Science Museum, London. The exhibition is based on Motivations for Maths: Beauty, Power, Play and Power. Numbers are limited (by the Science Museum) so places are available on a first come, first served basis. There will be a waiting list if we are over-subscribed.

2pm	Introduction Jane Wess, curator of mathematics, The Science Museum
2.05pm	Beauty: 'Beauty and maths -- from music and architecture to snowflakes and fractals.' Robin Wilson, Professor of Pure Mathematics, The Open University.
2.40pm	Power: 'Mathematics, Power and Peace: How Navigators, Surveyors and instrument-makers laid out the World' Dr Allan Chapman, Wadham College, Oxford.
3.15pm	Tea/coffee and exhibition view.
4.00pm	Necessity: 'Is necessity really the mother of invention? Mathematics education and creative mathematics' Dr. Snezana Lawrence, Bath Spa University.
4.35pm	Fun: 'Adventures in Recreational Mathematics' Dr David Singmaster, Professor of Mathematics, London South Bank University (retired).
5.10pm	end.

There is NO fee for the meeting, but to help with administration we would ask you to indicate if you are planning to attend by returning the tear-off slip on this flyer to: Noel-Ann Bradshaw, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS by Friday 13th November 2009. We expect the meeting to be fully booked so advance booking is required.

The British Society for the History of Mathematics is registered as a company limited by guarantee, no. 3326816, and as a charity, no. 1061229. Its registered office is 20 Dunvegan Close, Exeter, Devon EX4 4AF, UK.