Math-Whizz Blog

Teaching Real Math with Computers

November 16th, 2010 by admin

I’m a big fan of the TED talks. TED explores a huge variety of subjects through lectures and presentations by interesting people with something useful to say; in this case – teaching real math with computers.

In his TED talk Conrad Wolfram argues that we need computers to teach math effectively, but not quite in the way you might expect.

Wolfram is he of the fascinating ‘computation engine’ website WolframAlpha, and the powerful Mathematica program which preceded it. He’s using his TED talk to help shill for WolframAlpha, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

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Learn math, bring storms!

September 1st, 2009 by admin

Math skills can make you a weather god.

Actually, that’s a lie. Everyone knows that you need math, physics, a superhuman control of natural forces and an MPA (Masters in Polytheism Administration) to become a weather god.

Even so, with a few powerful math algorithms, you can at least get a sense of the power your common-or-garden master of the elements possesses, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Thunderstorm Environment Strike Probability Algorithm, or THESPA, is a radar-based system which uses mathematical data to estimate strike probability in a defined area as a storm starts to build or move.

Developed by Sandy Dance at the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, it can produce ”nowcasts” for up to one hour ahead.

”Based on probability, we can be far more confident in estimating the … geographic point where the thunderstorm is likely to strike,” Dr Dance said. ”It will prove invaluable in helping forecasters with risk assessment and emergency decision-making.”

Predicting where lightning might strike – yet another reason to get busy with our powerful online math tutor.

Build those math skills and be the envy of your weather-afflicted neighbors as you batten down the hatches in anticipation of the next storm.


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