Mazes and networks

Exploration Description

Mazes and networks introdues the basic concepts of graph theory.  Participants will translate the design of a maze into a connected graph.  Transition matrices will be defined and their connection with networks and probability will be studied.   At the end of the course a participant will be able to generate a graph from a given real life situation, translate it into a matrix and make predictions.

OBJECTIVES

• Define graphs and matrices.

• Distinguish directed and weighted graphs. 

• Translating a graph into a matrix.

• Predicting behaviors either with technology or with algebraic analysis.

• Applying concepts to real life situations.

REQUIREMENTS

• Manipulation of math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and powers.

• Basic understanding of probability.

• Graphing Calculator, or Personal Laptop with at least a RAM: 4GB, CPU: Dual core 1GHz, Browser: Safari 13, Microsoft Edge 93, Google Chrome 93 or Mozilla Firefox 70 GPU: A decent iGPU or dedicated GPU

AGE RANGE:  14 and older.

TIME DURATION: 2 or 4 hours, depending on age and depth desired.