Mathematical mime Tim Chartier visits UW-Whitewater Oct. 22
Released: October 19, 2007
Professional Mathematician Tim Chartier
Lectures on formulas, theories, and proofs are dreadful for many; however, students seem to have a better understanding of math when it is visually explained rather than dictated. The University of Wisconsin- Whitewater mathematical and computer sciences department welcomes professional mathematician Tim Chartier to mix math and mime, 7 p.m., Monday, Oct.22 in the Light Recital Hall.
There is more to math than the pythagoreom theorem. "Students need to learn that there are different ways of explaining mathematics," Tom Drucker, lecturer in mathematics, said. "It is possible to communicate without formulas and words. The only way to do that is to let people see it themselves."
Chartier's theatrics of math is like no other. "Never has anyone mixed math with mime, much less bring it to the mainstream," Drucker added. "With his use of juggling, magic and comedy, the audience seem to understand the concepts of math."
Chartier's impeccable resume makes him the guy to juxtapose mime and math; in August, he received the Henry Alder Award, which honors faculty members who have been influential beyond the classroom. He is also a student of Marcel Marceau, the man who brought pantomime to the masses. In the past several years, Chartier's theatrics has been used explain math concepts to varying audiences. His "Mime-matics" show has helped grade-school students throughout the state of North Carolina understand math. The show was presented at the Discovery Place in Charlotte. Teaching an older audience, Chartier performed a skit to explicate Fermat's theorem.
For more information on this event contact Tom Drucker at (262) 472- 5173.
- LeQuez Spearman,spearmanlt22@uww.edu
