Using Randomness to Estimate Order (for 8-12th graders)

Using Randomness to Estimate Order (for 8-12th graders)

How do we use computer simulation to find order in chaos and reveal fundamental principles of biophysics?

By Baltimore Under Ground Science Space (BUGSS)

Date and time

Saturday, August 2 · 10 - 11:30am EDT

Location

Baltimore UnderGround Science Space (BUGSS)

101 N Haven St Baltimore, MD 21224

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

The class demonstrates how we can use computer simulation and random number generation to estimate a value for pi. We'll start with a physical demonstration involving velcro darts and a felt dartboard to calculate a value of pi (~3-3.2 depending on the randomness). Then we'll write computer code and work through some mathematics to simulate throwing billions of darts per second. How does this change our estimate? Finally, we'll talk about how this work relates to ongoing research in biophysics.

Our instructor, Dr Erik Nordquist, is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Maryland, Baltimore working on computer-aided drug design (CADD) in the context of cancer biology.

This class is intended for 8th-12th graders, but younger students with a strong understanding of geometry are also welcome.

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Organized by

Baltimore Under Ground Science Space (BUGSS)

At the we are passionate about providing access to the Biotech Revolution, while encouraging safety and responsibility. We warmly welcome amateurs, professionals, artists, engineers, and citizen scientists, 

Please come and share our passion, by helping to build BUGSS.  Someone is usually there Fridays between 5 and 8 pm for an open session.   Press 105 on the keypad at the gate, then press the green call button, and we'll let you in.  Stop by and take a look around.

$14.64