We will guide you through some of the highlights of the wonderful theory of algebraic topology. That's a mouthful to say, and I promise it will be more fun than it sounds. We will investigate how to build up and break down different shapes such as mobius strips, toruses, and klein bottles, and study their properties, such as how loops in them behave. Also featured will be a topologist's breakfast, complete with edible toruses and lessons on a mathematician's method of playing with his food. Finally, we will use our newfound knowledge of shapes to arrive at some very interesting and surprising results. So if you've ever marveled at mobius strips and how strange they are (have you ever cut one in half?) or if you've ever tried to tie an anti-knot -- or even if you haven't -- come learn about algebraic topology. Added bonus: Just mentioning "algebraic topology" will impress your friends. They may, however, be in slightly less awe upon learning that it includes such gems as the "hairy ball theorem," "stone tu(r)key theorem," and "ham sandwich theorem."

We will be exploring the weird world of relativity, where moving rulers shrink, moving clocks run slow, mass "is" energy, particles can have momentum but no mass, and space and time are inextricably linked. We will survey various relativistic phenomena and develop some of the math needed to describe the structure of our relativistic world.