September 28, 2007
Ed Morris
Glides, Reflections, and the Tilings of the Plane...The Mathematics of M. C. Escher
Eric’s Note: Some of you may have seen Ed talk about Escher’s work a bit over 3 years ago. I don’t think there has ever been
a Science Seminar that has generated more discussion afterwards. I remember herding people out of the room against their will
over a half-hour after it ended. It was amazing. This is one not to miss.
How did M. C. Escher create figures that cover a surface without overlapping? Come and learn about the mathematics of
tessellations and how you can create your own designs that tile a flat surface with no gaps!!
Note: Near the end of this presentation Ed Morris reveals how M.C. Escher created his tessellations. Unfortunately, it was
necessary to remove this part of the program due to a faulty battery that led to distorted audio.
Posted on October 3, 2007
October 5, 2007
Eric Baer
A Sea of Lava: The Great Columbia River Basalt Eruption
17 million years ago a 60 mile long crack opened in the ground in Eastern Washington. What followed was the largest eruption
on the planet since the dinosaurs died off. The eruption was 200,000 times bigger than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens,
and left Eastern Washington buried under more than 2 miles of volcanic rock. What caused such a huge eruption? What was the
impact on our state? Could it happen again?
Posted on October 11, 2007
October 13, 2007
Rich Bankhead and Tina Ostrander
Binary
There are only 10 kinds of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don’t…Become part of
those who do!
Posted on October 16, 2007
October 19, 2007
No Classes
Professional Development Day
Professional Development Day
Video - Not Available
October 26, 2007
Carla Whittington
When the Dam Broke
Imagine for a moment all the world’s rivers combined flowing across Eastern Washington.
The Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ganges, the Amazon, the Nile, but also every single small
river and stream – all of that water, combined, coursing across the dusty planes of Spokane,
Moses Lake and down into Portland. Now take that vision, and multiply the amount of water by
20, and you might get an idea of the flood that occurred … and then occurred again and again…
Posted on October 31, 2007
November 2, 2007
Erik Scott
Election special! "Nothing's Perfect: The Mathematical Impossibility of a ‘Fair’ Voting System"
Next Tuesday is Election Day and the People's voice will be heard and their choices determined... or will it? Come find out
why voting is inherently flawed.
Posted on November 6, 2007
November 9, 2007
Lonnie Somer
Cryptozoology: The Search for Sasquatch, Nessie, Ogopogo, and Other Fabulous Creatures
Does a mysterious giant hominoid live somewhere in the Pacific Northwest? What lies in the depths of Loch Ness? Each year
many new species of animals are discovered, but could one really be hiding in our own backyard?
Posted on November 21, 2007
November 16, 2007
Rich Bankhead and Gregory Reinemer
The First Annual Physics Magic Show
For four years now, the most popular Science Seminar has been the chemistry show. But now, there is a challenger. Come find
out who will have the more… err… explosive production. This one is NOT for the faint of heart. Will building 7 be able to
contain it or is the Thunderdome our next locale?
Note: Experiencing technical difficulties with this video stream. It will be posted ASAP.
Video - Coming Soon
November 23, 2007
No Classes
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Holiday
Video - Not Available
November 30, 2007
Dee Skinner
Web 2.0
What is Web 2.0? Is it a real thing or a bubble? The promoters call it the internet in the hands of the people, with
collaboration, online services, and user-driven applications. Is it an opportunity or is it “the cult of the amateur”?
Posted on December 07, 2007
December 7, 2007
To be determined...
To be determined...
Video - Not Posted
