ESP Biography



STEPHEN FACE, ESP Teacher




Major: Not available.

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: Not available.

Picture of Stephen Face

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Not Available.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

M14487: Fractals! in Spark 2021 (Mar. 13 - 27, 2021)
Come meet fractals, the bizarre, infinitely complex, structures that live between dimensions! To understand these beautiful shapes, we'll dig into what "dimension" really means, how dimension is calculated, and where fractals appear in the real world.


M14488: Introduction to Number Theory in Spark 2021 (Mar. 13 - 27, 2021)
Do you like numbers? What about theories? If so then this class is for you! Number theory is the branch of mathematics that is devoted to the study of integers. It turns out you can do a lot without decimals or fractions! We'll dig into the basics of number theory including discussing primes, modular arithmetic, and where all of this is used in the real world.


S11974: Brief History of Neuroscience in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
Although brains are squishy, neuroscience remains hard. In this class, we'll go over selected elements of the history of neuroscience and figure out where our current understanding of the brain comes from, and what big questions remain unanswered.


S11976: Black Holes Don't Suck in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
Do you like gravity? What about singularities? Come learn about these awesome astrophysical oddities! We plan to cover some history, how they form, recent discoveries, still open problems, and any questions you may bring!


S11165: Ask Anything about Science in Splash 2016 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2016)
Ever wondered about the world around us? Come to this class to get your questions answered! You provide the questions and we'll try to provide the answers!


M9948: Euler's Formula in Splash 2015 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2015)
Ever wondered why $$e^{i\pi}=-1$$? Do you want to know why trig functions and exponentials are the same thing? Interested in learning fast ways to prove trig identities so you don't have to memorize them? Come to this class and learn all of these things and more! Also grab a look at the wikipedia article for more info.


M9949: Advanced Random Awesome Maths in Splash 2015 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2015)
Are you advanced? What about awesome? If so then this class is for you! We might do some stuff with infinities, hypercubes, and paradoxes or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!


S10142: Ask Anything about Science in Splash 2015 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2015)
Ever wondered about the world around us? Come to this class to get your questions answered! You provide the questions and we'll try to provide the answers!


M8465: When Word Problems Were Fun in HSSP Summer 2014 (Jul. 06, 2014)
We will cover a number of different systems and introduce standard mathematical analysis techniques used for each. These systems include flight, cell evolution, the pythagorean theorem, quantum tunneling, and how fast a coffee cup overflows. In every case, the system drives the math - we will be teaching you exactly what's needed to understand the world around you.


M8366: A New Geometry in Spark 2014 (Mar. 15 - 16, 2014)
Do you like geometry? What about hypercubes? Then this class is for you! We will probably talk about some geometry topics not normally covered in school, like higher dimensions, regular polytopes, and curvature.


E8374: Physics of Spaceflight with Kerbal Space Program in Spark 2014 (Mar. 15 - 16, 2014)
Do you like space? What about little green men or gratuitous explosions? Then this class is for you! This class will cover orbital mechanics, space maneuvering, and rocket design. We will then use the Kerbal Space Program software for fun and learning.


S7937: Introduction to Cookie Clicker in Splash! 2013 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2013)
Do you like cookies? What about clicking? If so, then this class is for you. This course will discuss all of the fundamentals of Cookie Clicker. From exponential growth, to present value, to what to do about the grandmapocalypse, we have you covered. It should be appropriate both for those entirely new to Cookie Clicker and those who play recreationally.


E8009: Physics of Spaceflight (with Kerbal Space Program) in Splash! 2013 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2013)
Do you want to go to space?! Come learn how to do it, and practice your skills. You will learn the basic physics principles behind rocket launching and orbiting, including: - Gravity - Rocket Physics - Orbital Physics You will apply these principles to build the best launch vehicle to get into orbit. We will be using the game Kerbal Space Program. From the game's official website at kerbalspaceprogram.com: "KSP is a game where the players create and manage their own space program. Build spacecraft, fly them, and try to help the Kerbals to fulfill their ultimate mission of conquering space."


S7303: Light in HSSP Summer 2013 (Jul. 07, 2013)
Do you like rainbows? What about lasers? If so then this class is for you. We will learn all about the science of light, what it is, and what we can do with it.


E6999: Slide Rules in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
We'll show how to use slide rules to do arithmetic through the magic of logarithms. For those who are feeling extra awesome, we can use them to compute values of exponentials, trig functions, inverse hyperbolic functions, etc. Come learn how math was done before the days of computers and calculators.


M7000: Unlimited Derivatives in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
We will create a new system of numbers where $$\varepsilon^2 = 0$$. Come to this class to see how this will let us compute derivatives of basically any function more efficiently than the way you learn in school.


E7072: Train Science in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
Discussion of ferro-equine transportation. More information to follow.


S7121: Classical Field Theory in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
Do you like fields? What about classics? If so, this class is for you! Come see us take your familiar Newtonian mechanics and turn it into awesome Lagrangian mechanics. Then we'll take your particles and turn them into fields. Once we put the two together you'll be able to do all the electrodynamics or gravity, or you can make your own theory of physics!


S7190: Entropy in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
Why are some processes reversible and others not? Energy tells what can happen. Entropy tells us what does happen. Come to this class to learn all about this quantity that will eventually destroy the universe


X6282: Advanced Donut Theory in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The donut (also: doughnut) is a particular type of fried confection, styled as a dessert food. In this class, we discuss the theoretical underpinnings of donuts, their use in our everyday lives, and their effects upon our society. Particular emphasis will be placed on the buying, eating, and enjoying of donuts in the context of a modern American lifestyle and society.


M6612: The Return of the Geometry in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
Do you like icosahedra? What about hypercubes? If so then this class is for you. We will be discussing the math behind the platonic solids (the 5 fundamental shapes in 3-D geometry) as well as discussing 4-D shapes. Then we will build as many of them as we can.


S6713: Physics, part 1: Newtonian Mechanics in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicist of all time is Isaac Newton. His discovery of gravity confirmed our understanding of the essential process of planetary/projectile motion. Come learn about his vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6714: Physics, part 2: Electricity and Magnetism in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicist of all time is James Clerk Maxwell. His discovery of electromagnetic waves confirmed our understanding of the essential concept of light. Come learn about his vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6715: Physics, part 3: Special Relativity in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicist of all time is Albert Einstein. His discovery of the theory of relativity confirmed our understanding of the essential concept of space and time. Come learn about his vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6716: Physics, part 4: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicists of all time are Joseph Lagrange and William Hamilton. Their discovery of new formulations of mechanics confirmed our understanding of the essential concept of energy. Come learn about their vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6720: Physics, part 6: Space in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicist of all time is Alan Guth. His discovery of cosmic inflation confirmed our understanding of the essential process of the Big Bang. Come learn about his vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6721: Physics, part 5: Quantum Mechanics in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
The greatest physicist of all time is Erwin Schrodinger. His discovery of unitary time evolution confirmed our understanding of the essential physics of quantum processes. Come learn about his vital contributions to the world of physics!


S6067: Gyroscopes are made of magic in ESPrinkler Summer 2012 (Jul. 08 - Aug. 19, 2012)
Despite the title of this class, gyroscopes are not actually made of magic. Come to this class, and learn the science that makes these devices work!


M6017: The Geometry Strikes Back in HSSP Summer 2012 (Jul. 08, 2012)
Do you like hypercubes? What about great rhombicosidodecahedra? In this class, we'll talk about the best parts of 3 and 4 dimensional geometry. Along the way, we'll play with origami, pipe cleaners, and soap bubbles.


E5837: Locomotive Engineering in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Trains. How do they work? We'll learn about locomotives and railroad operations, from the evolution of locomotive design to how trains are scheduled and dispatched.


M5863: Evil Maths in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Do you like evil? What about maths? Then this class is for you!


S5890: Relativity for middle school in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Ever wondered how fast the fastest thing in the universe is, or what that "thing" is? Come explore what happens when we start to examine the realm of high-speed physics, where distances grow shorter, time seems to pass more slowly, and just about everything you know as "fact" is no longer quite true. We intend to make this accessible to a wide range of students, so do not be intimidated by the mathematics of relativity - we will be focusing on the qualitative aspects of the science.


E5090: Train Science in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
A whirlwind tour of railroading, ranging from the dawn of the industrial revolution through the present day. Locomotives, signalling, track structure, bridges and tunnels...plus the engineering behind it all. Whether you're a hardcore train buff or just a curious observer of steel-wheeled things, this is the class for you!


M5417: Advanced Random Awesome Maths (High School Edition) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
Are you advanced? What about awesome? If so than come to this class! We might do some stuff with Euler’s formula, Stirling’s formula, and the Gamma Function or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!


M5418: Advanced Random Awesome Maths (Middle School Edition) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
Are you advanced? What about awesome? If so than come to this class! We might do some stuff with Number Theory, Fractals, and Fibonacci or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!


S5521: Scale of the Universe in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
Do you like scales? What about universes? If so, then this class is for you! From our solar system to giant walls of galaxies, I will show the scale of the universe and leave you with an appreciation of your insignificance.


S4820: Introduction to Astronomy in HSSP Summer 2011 (Jul. 10, 2011)
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how many stars are there? Does it go on forever? Where do we fit in? And how did it all begin? Join us on an exciting tour of the universe as we journey from Earth to the farthest reaches of space. To infinity and beyond!


X4640: Machiavellian Trolling in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
TROLLING IS A ART FORM. HAS ANYONE REALLY BEEN FAR EVEN AS DECIDED TO USE EVEN GO WANT TO DO LOOK MORE LIKE? EVER WONDER HOW BOXXY ACQUIRED SUCH CRITICAL MASS? GRAMMAR NAZIS, HOW DO THEY WORK? ALL OF THIS (AND MORE!) WILL BE COVERED IN OUR TROLLING EXPOSE! MAY CAUSE RAGE. ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU READ THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH SENTENCE.


W4668: SET in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Come play the greatest game ever invented!!!! Set is a game of visual perception and pattern finding. Everyone from absolute beginners to experts are welcome.


M4673: Introduction to Number Theory in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Do you like numbers? What about theories? If so then this class is for you!


M4674: Advanced Random Awesome Maths in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Are you advanced? What about awesome? If so than come to this class! We might do some stuff with Euler's formula, Stirling's formula, and the Gamma Function or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!


M4702: Street Fighting Mathematics in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Do you like street fighting? Do you like mathematics? If so, then this class is for you!


E4712: Trains in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Learn about the remarkable engineering behind the North American railroad network. Topics to be covered include train locomotives, train cars, and train tracks.


S4515: Modern Physics in HSSP Spring 2011 (Feb. 19, 2011)
In this course, we will cover some of the more recent developments physics. We will start with relativity and then shift to an exploration of quantum mechanics. Come to this class if you've seen Newtonian mechanics and are interested to see what else physics can do.


M3817: Euler's Formula in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Ever wondered why $$e^{i\pi}=-1$$? Do you want to know why trig functions and exponentials are the same thing? Interested in learning fast ways to prove trig identities so you don't have to memorize them? Come to this class and learn all of these things and more! Also grab a look at the wikipedia article for more info.


W4323: Oobleck will blow your mind!!!!!!!!!111!!!!!eleven!!1! in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
What the *** is oobleck?! In short, a non-Newtonian fluid that we will make tons of. You can run on it, you can pound it, but move too slow and you'll be covered with a gooey mess.


S4379: Phenomena that would be called paranormal if we didn't have explanations in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Ever wonder why sound travels at 343 meters per second? or why light bends and splits when traveling through certain materials? or how magnets work? Using simple models, these and other phenomena will be derived and given explanations.


How to Run Away from the Campus Police in SPLASH (2011)
We will study evasive maneuvers that can be used to successfully run away from a pursuing horde of MIT Campus ...