Sukkur Embraces Math Circles: Shaping Future Minds
With support from STEAM Pakistan and the Syed Babar Ali Foundation, LUMS Math Circle aims to spread the study of mathematics and foster STEAM education in Pakistan. The latest Math Circle activity included faculty members from the Department of Mathematics, LUMS, Dr. Adnan Khan, Associate Professor and Dr. Saad Qadeer, Adjunct Faculty, embarking on a journey to Sukkur, where they left an indelible mark on students and enthusiasts alike.
Venturing into Rohri and Jani Buriro schools, the duo conducted two engaging LUMS Math Circle sessions, igniting curiosity among the students. Their math outreach extended to IBA Sukkur, where they not only facilitated a Math Circle session but also delivered a compelling public talk, amplifying the reach of mathematical exploration.
On December 9, 2023, the faculty brought their expertise to the Government Girls High School in Jani Buriro, igniting the minds of approximately 30 students across grades 6 to 8. The session kicked off with an introduction to knot theory, setting the stage for an exploration of algebra, binary numbers, and greatest common divisors. As a parting challenge, students were tasked with a coin flipping exercise, leaving them with a mathematical puzzle to unravel.
The mathematical journey continued at the Loco Shed Government Girls Elementary Lower Secondary School in Rohri, offering another group of enthusiastic students a similar experience. The team introduced them to a summation trick, the Collatz problem, and Nim's game, leaving the students to ponder the Three Fishermen problem as a compelling take-home challenge.
The outreach activities peaked at Sukkur IBA University (SIBAU), where a two-hour event captivated over 80 participants. Collaborating with Dr. Fazeel Anwar from SIBAU, the trio delved into mathematical wonders such as the Collatz conjecture, the coin rotation paradox, and Nim's game. Participants embraced the challenge posed by the Three Fishermen problem with passion and enthusiasm, showcasing a commendable dedication to mathematical exploration.
Dr. Saad Qadeer also gave a public talk titled ‘Normal modes and resonance: Chaldni waves and Faraday waves’ at IBA Sukkur.
LUMS Math Circle activities continue to leave an unforgettable impact, fostering a love for mathematics and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers.