Symmetry in Nature and in the Laws of Nature
March 7 - 8, 2013
Enjoy this unique opportunity to return to the science classroom with a guided tour into the world of symmetry in nature. While symmetry in objects and geometric figures - the beauty of a snowflake, the appeal of a human face - has been appreciated for a long time, a mathematical and more abstract sort of symmetry that pertains to the laws of physics came to be recognized only about a hundred years ago. We will learn about the remarkable Emmy Noether (1882- 1935), who, working on Einstein's theory of relativity, proved two theorems that were basic for both general relativity and elementary particle physics. The connection of the Higgs particle with fundamental symmetries will be examined; we will explore symmetry, mathematics and art and even hear about "Symmetry and Schrodinger's Cat." Participants will also be given an insiders' tour of several science research labs.