GEMS April 5th Session
April 5 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This GEMS session will be facilitated by Professor Bahar Acu from Pitzer College.
Title: The Hole Truth: When is a Coffee Mug a Donut?
Abstract: In mathematics, topology is the study of properties of shapes that remain unchanged when shapes are bent, stretched, or deformed—so long as they aren’t torn or punctured. To a mathematician studying topology, a donut and a coffee cup (with a handle) are considered the “same” shape because one can be continuously deformed into the other without cutting or gluing.
In this interactive session, we will explore the concept of shape equivalence by counting holes—an essential feature in topology. Using Play-Doh and Wikki Stix, we will model different shapes, test their flexibility, and determine whether they can be transformed into one another. Join us for a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of topology, where a simple twist in perspective can redefine how we see the shapes around us!