Mathematics in wider context

Dr Nick Thom visit to A Level mathematics and engineering students (Maths - 16/10/2018)

We were privileged to have Dr Nick Thom from University of Nottingham to deliver a series of sessions for our sixth form students. The aim of the first session was to give understanding of the factors that go into design of a steel truss including: material strength properties; failure modes of individual members; structural system design. This provides a wider understand to our A Level further mathematics and engineering students in the way mathematics (mechanics) works in real life. Students designed, constructed and tested the strength of the bridge pier they had built. The materials used were paper straws and Sellotape. Twelve 400mm long straws were allowed. The height of the pier constructed was 390-400mm. Students had a great time testing their design and admiring the beauty of mathematics in the wider context.

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