Do the Angles of a Triangle Add up to 180{\deg}? -- Introducing Non-Euclidean Geometry
History and Overview
2021-06-01 v1 Metric Geometry
Abstract
How can we convince students, who have mainly learned to follow given mathematical rules, that mathematics can also be fascinating, creative, and beautiful? In this paper I discuss different ways of introducing non-Euclidean geometry to students and the general public using different physical models, including chalksphere, crocheted hyperbolic surfaces, curved folding, and polygon tilings. Spherical geometry offers a simple yet surprising introduction to the topic, whereas hyperbolic geometry is an entirely new and exciting concept to most. Non-Euclidean geometry demonstrates how crafts and art can be used to make complex mathematical concepts more accessible, and how mathematics itself can be beautiful, not just useful.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2105.14947,
title = {Do the Angles of a Triangle Add up to 180{\deg}? -- Introducing Non-Euclidean Geometry},
author = {Hanne Kekkonen},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2105.14947},
year = {2021}
}