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Field trip 3: New Locations
June 21 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Free
An extraordinary virtual field trip hosted by The Science Circle, where we’ll journey through a series of captivating locations and exhibits that blend science, culture, and innovation!
Today, we’ll visit the newly established New Mathematics Club, the picturesque Lijiang River with its diverse exhibits, and explore topics ranging from evolutionary biology to cutting-edge engineering and global health challenges. This immersive experience in Second Life promises to spark curiosity and deepen our understanding of the world through interactive and thought-provoking displays.
Our adventure begins with Robert A. Hendrix, MD, at the New Mathematics Club, a dynamic hub for exploring the beauty and power of numbers, as highlighted on The Science Circle’s website. Tagline’s giving a 30 minute presentation about AI in the Maths Dojo: The PERCEPTRON, the SIMPLEST NEURAL NETWORK and HOW TO TRAIN IT using a database and reiterative correction of error. IT’S ALL A MATTER of LINEAR ALGEBRA and computational mathematics & algorithms! So do come & hear!
The Maths & Psychology exhibit, created by Deepthinker—author of The Science Circle’s monthly Hypothesis Blog—features interactive displays such as Let’s Make a Deal, The Black Swan, The Science of Farming, Neutrinos and Why the Earth is No Longer Flat, and How I Learned Math, with insights from five Science Circle scientists. These exhibits reveal how mathematics shapes our understanding of human behavior and the world around us.
Next, the Population Genetics Simulator (PGS), crafted by Stephen Gasior, brings to life the classic study of natural selection in the Peppered Moth (Biston betularia), studied by Bernard Kettlewell, demonstrating how environmental changes drive evolutionary shifts in color and survival within the unique Second Life platform.
The Turbofan exhibit, created by Karthik Prathaban, dives Perspective: Modern commercial aircraft engines are engineering marvels, and turbofans are no exception. These powerful and fuel-efficient systems can propel a plane like the A350, with a 280,000 kg maximum take-off weight, for over 20 hours non-stop. Their brilliance lies in a clever sequence of energy conversions, with the bypass ratio enhancing efficiency by adding a fan that minimally alters fuel flow in the core while significantly boosting thrust.
Finally, the Effects of COVID Around the World exhibit, created by Phil Youngblood, offers a poignant exploration of the pandemic’s global impact, connecting science, society, and resilience.
Guided by these expert creators and brought to life in Second Life, this field trip combines rigorous science with engaging storytelling. Join us as we navigate these diverse exhibits, each offering a unique perspective on our world’s past, present, and future.
Let’s dive into this journey of discovery at the New Mathematics Club and the Lijiang River!