Splash Biography

In this class we will explore the basics of how the modern internet works, and discuss what the flaws and consequences of the design might be. From there we will move on to talking about real-world government surveillance made possible by the ideas we've discussed, and we'll conclude by talking about what impacts these policies might have on citizenship, society, and the idea of democracy.

Is infinity a number? Can I take infinitely many steps toward my destination and never get there? Are some infinities bigger than others? For centuries, infinity has been one of the most fascinating and elusive concepts in human culture. In this class we will talk about the infinite, look at various infinite sets, and explore the powerful and confusing nature of infinity. If we have time, we might also uncover an interesting connection between infinities and the capabilities of modern computers.

In this class we will explore the basics of how the modern internet works and is designed, and we'll discuss what the consequences of that design might be. From there we will move on to talking about real-world government surveillance made possible by the ideas we've discussed, and we'll conclude by talking about what impacts these policies might have on citizenship, society, and the idea of democracy. This class will include a significant discussion portion. Students should come ready to share the ideas they're thinking about and developing as the class progresses.

Is infinity a number? Can I take infinitely many steps toward my destination and never get there? Are some infinities bigger than others? For centuries, infinity has been one of the most fascinating and elusive concepts in human culture. In this class we will talk about the infinite, look at various infinite sets, and explore the powerful and confusing nature of infinity.

Is infinity a number? Can I take infinitely many steps toward my destination and never get there? Are some infinities bigger than others? For centuries, infinity has been one of the most fascinating and elusive concepts in human culture. In this class we will talk about the infinite, look at various infinite sets, and explore the powerful and confusing nature of infinity.

Every time you buy something online, you put your faith in math: simple math that's easy to do in one direction, but hard to do in reverse. Or at least we think it's hard. All it takes is for one person to figure out how to efficiently solve these problems (which very likely to happen now that quantum computers are a possibility), and internet security as we know it will be broken. Enter quantum cryptography. Quantum cryptography uses what is literally the hardest system to break to encrypt messages: the laws of physics! In this course, we will talk about the basics of quantum mechanics, quantum cryptography, why it works, and why it isn't popular right now. We will also simulate a quantum cryptography system right in class. Come learn about how to make codes that can never be cracked!

Your parents probably told you that computers can’t solve all your problems. In this class we will investigate whether there is any truth to this claim. Spoiler alert: there is (who would have known?) We will take a look at a model of computing called the Turing machine, what Turing machines can do and what they cannot. We will then use these models to draw a deep and surprising conclusion about the limitations of computing in general.