Fall 2025 MTCA Workshop #3

Thursday, December 4, 2025

6-8 pm

PMA 12.166

Saja Gherri

Pi by Accident: Exploring Geometric Probability

We'll introduce the basic ideas behind geometric probability, learning to analyze the ways lengths, areas, and shapes interact in a probabilistic way. Then, we'll dive into one of the most famous of such problems: Buffon's Needle. We'll work in groups in an IBL style activity, by solving the problem assuming only trigonometry, with an extended calculus option for those interested. This problem was the first probabilistic derivation of pi, and we'll see how!

We validate campus parking and provide dinner, and participants earn CPE hours (TEA approved) for this workshop.

Free parking is provided in the Speedway Garage (SWG). Enter the garage on Speedway, between Dean Keaton and 27th street. Pull a ticket when you enter the garage. We will give participants cards to exit. (If the Speedway Garage is full or being used for an event, please park next door in the 27th Street Garage.)