PRESS RELEASE
21 November 2007
The University of Abertay Dundee will host the inaugural lecture in the Tayside Series of Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses on Saturday (24th November 2007).
At this time the 45 pupils from 13 secondary schools throughout Tayside and Fife will be introduced to stimulating discussions and workshops about maths.
The classes are designed to encourage mathematically promising students by introducing them to aspects of “real maths” and its applications.
This week Professor John Crawford, Professor of Theoretical Biology, SIMBIOS Centre, School of Computing and Creative Technologies, University of Abertay Dundee, will explore the mysteries of ‘Monsters and Dragons” by introducing the students to the application of fractal geometry in nature.
Director of Elite Events Scotland, Dawn Mckaig who organises the classes said: “These classes provide a fantastic opportunity for pupils who not only have an aptitude for maths, but also a keenness and determination to find out more.
“By offering them an insight into the diverse and interesting areas that maths can lead to we may just be encouraging them to stick with it and perhaps even make a career of it.”
Participating Schools
Blairgowrie High School Morgan Academy
Breadalbane Academy Perth Academy
Brechin High School Perth Grammar
Harris Academy Perth High School
Lawside Academy The Community School of Auchterarder
Mardras College Webster’s High School
Monifieth High School
For further information please contact Dawn Mckaig on 07766 335 982, by email on infor@elite-eventsscotland.co.uk or by fax on 01382 530514.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Mathematics Masterclasses were first held in 1981 following Professor Sir Christopher Zeeman’s highly successful 1978 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures on Mathematics.
Initially, they were designed for mathematically able pupils in London and surrounding areas and were given only at the Royal Institution, but the idea was quickly taken up in other parts of the country.
There are now some 40 series of Masterclasses held annually throughout the UK, which are enjoyed by almost 2,000 students from a wide variety of backgrounds – and the system is still expanding.
The Tayside Series of the Primary Mathematics Masterclasses have been taking place on Saturday mornings throughout August to November 2007, and have been organised by Elite Events Scotland Ltd.
Elite Events Scotland Ltd was established by Director Dawn McKaig, formerly Events Manager of the Tayside STEM Partnership as a means to continue the work undertaken in the field of promoting and raising awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
In addition, the company is committed to providing total event management solutions for all corporate, educational and sporting events.
ENDS