Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 5 of 5
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
In Mathematics, As In Art, Andrew Granville
In Mathematics, As In Art, Andrew Granville
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
The artist’s vision helps decide what should be created; the mathematician’s insight what can be created. Yet most people view art as merely decoration, or a reflection of existing reality, while they think of mathematics as just a tool for accurate scientific description. Can more people learn to value and enjoy both art and mathematics? And spend a lifetime exploring them and appreciating them for their own sakes?
Intersection Cographs And Aesthetics, Robert Haas
Intersection Cographs And Aesthetics, Robert Haas
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Cographs are complete graphs with colored lines (edges); in an intersection cograph, the points (vertices) and lines (edges) are labeled by sets, and the line between each pair of points is (or represents) their intersection. This article first presents the elementary theory of intersection cographs: 15 are possible on 4 points; constraints on the triangles and quadrilaterals; some forbidden configurations; and how, under suitable constraints, to generate the points from the lines alone. The mathematical theory is then applied to aesthetics, using set cographs to describe the experience of a person enjoying a picture (Mu Qi), poem (Dickinson), play (Shakespeare), …
Three Creativity-Fostering Projects Implemented In A Statistics Class, Margaret Adams
Three Creativity-Fostering Projects Implemented In A Statistics Class, Margaret Adams
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Undergraduates in an introductory statistics class at a rural Southeastern college were assigned three creativity-fostering projects: statistics vocabulary crossword puzzle, word wall, and graffiti art poster. Given math anxiety, fear of failure, and lack of enthusiasm, it seemed imperative to spark interest and involvement. Rhodes 4P’s model (1961) served as the framework for this intrinsic case study involving 62 students. Independent thinking and research, peer collaboration, and use of art supplies within this model (person, press, process and product) generated remarkable learning outcomes. Grading rubrics focused on originality, quality and statistics content. Projects were classified into three qualitative categories ranging …
Mathematics In The Mind's Eye: Michael Schultheis Paints Poetic And Conceptual Geometries, Patricia Grieve Watkinson
Mathematics In The Mind's Eye: Michael Schultheis Paints Poetic And Conceptual Geometries, Patricia Grieve Watkinson
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Michael Schultheis is an established artist and a formally-educated mathematician. In his practice the two disciplines are inextricably linked. His large-scale lyrical paintings at first glance seem to focus on the effects of light and atmospheres, representing cloudscapes or waterscapes in resonant color. Yet moving through these mists are decidedly mathematical references --- drawn geometric shapes and hand-written equations. These are employed by Schultheis to represent the physical world or to express feelings (or both). For example, he may examine the structure of a pine cone or reflect on human relationships or do both at the same time. The resulting …
Kaleidoscopes, Chessboards, And Symmetry, Tricia M. Brown
Kaleidoscopes, Chessboards, And Symmetry, Tricia M. Brown
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
This paper describes the n-queens problem on an n by n chessboard. We discuss the possible symmetries of n-queens solutions and show how solutions to this classical chess question can be used to create examples of colorful artwork.