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Computer Science Unplugged and Related Projects in Math and Computer Science Popularization

Bell, Tim, Rosamond, Frances A. and Casey, Nancy (2012). Computer Science Unplugged and Related Projects in Math and Computer Science Popularization. In Bodlaender, H. L., Downey, R., Fomin, F. V. and Marx, D.(Ed.), The Multivariate Algorithmic Revolution and Beyond. Germany: Springer-Verlag. (pp. 398-456).

Document type: Book Chapter

IRMA ID 82794376xPUB26
Author Bell, Tim
Rosamond, Frances A.
Casey, Nancy
Title of Chapter Computer Science Unplugged and Related Projects in Math and Computer Science Popularization
Title of Book The Multivariate Algorithmic Revolution and Beyond
Place of Publication Germany
Publisher Springer-Verlag
Publication Year 2012
Edition 1
Editor Bodlaender, H. L.
Downey, R.
Fomin, F. V.
Marx, D.
ISBN 978-3-642-30891-8   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 398
End Page 456
Total Pages 59
Total Chapters 20
HERDC Category B - Book Chapter (DIISR)
Abstract
Mathematics popularization is an important, creative kind of research, entangled with many other research programs of basic interest -- Mike Fellows

This chapter is a history of the Computer Science Unplugged project, and related work on math and computer science popularization that Mike Fellows has been a driving force behind, including MEGA-Mathematics and games design. Mike's mission has been to open up the knowns and unknowns of mathematical science to the public. We explore the genesis of MEGA-Math and "Unplugged" in the early 1990s, and then the sudden growth of interest in Unplugged after the year 2003, including the contributions from many different cultures and its deployment in a large variety of contexts. Woven through this history is the importance of story: that presenting math and computing topics through story-telling and drama can captivate children and adults alike, and provides a whole new level of engagement with what can be perceived as a dry topic. It is also about not paying attention to boundaries -- whether teaching advanced computer science concepts to elementary school children or running a mathematics event in a park.
 
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Created: Fri, 17 Jan 2014, 00:07:57 CST