Predicting the Future with Mathematics

On Tuesday 3rd October Charles Simonyi Professor Marcus du Sautoy visited the North East to “Predict the Future with Mathematics”.  Marcus first attended High Tunstall College of Science where he was greeted by the Head Boy, Belal El-Mashharawi and Head Girl, Niamh Hogan.  Marcus spent the morning meeting students and visiting STEM lessons.  In the afternoon he provided some mini-style lectures.

The Simonyi Professor was in the region to deliver High Tunstall College of Science’s Third Annual STEM lecture at the Borough Hall.  The lecture was attended by thirty three school and colleges.

Marcus explained the survival of Cicadas, an insect which stays underground for up to 17 years, when they resurface they sing loudly, mate, eat, lay eggs then die.  He described how Cicadas only resurface on a prime number, likely to avoid predators, to get across the message “If you know your maths you survive in this world”.

Marcus’ shared his interest in number patterns and he engrossed the audience by playing Marcus’ Number Mysteries Lottery.  He later engaged the children by playing “Lemming musical chairs” to explain the Lemming mass suicide myth.

Following the lecture Marcus participated in a question and answer session.  The children has prepared for this and asked interesting questions to find more about Marcus’ background and what inspired him to become a mathematician.  The lecture was a huge success and enjoyed by all who attended.

Mark Tilling, Headteacher at High Tunstall College of Science added “Marcus enabled all people who attended our lecture to understand the power of mathematics and its use in our day to day life.  It inspired me to see students age 10 to 18 really getting why maths is so important.”

Previous guest speakers at High Tunstall College of Science’s STEM lectures have included Helen Sharman OBE, and Lord Professor Robert Winston.  Watch this space for the announcement for next year’s guest speaker.