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

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.

Also check out other Workshops in Baltimore.