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KT
HISTORY
History of Knot Theory
INTRO TO KNOTS
What are knots?
ADVANCED KT
Wild knots, connect sums & more!
DNA & KT TODAY
Knot Theory in the Real World
KT
ACTIVITIES
Online activities with knots for you to try
KNOT
FUNNY
Interesting facts, knot-knot jokes, and knotty pictures... |
Welcome
to KT (Knot Theory) Online!
 This site is designed for mathematics students at the high school and college
levels as an introduction to an area of mathematics seldom explored in the typical math
classroom - the Theory of Knots.
One thing that makes Knot Theory so interesting for mathematicians
today is the fact that it's such a "new" topic - Knot Theory is a relatively
young field with many opportunities for discovery and exploration by mathematicians young
and old.
Click below to jump to some of the topics you can learn about at KT
Online:
A Brief History of Knot Theory - From the
mathematical surge of interest in knots a little over a century ago to the recent and
exciting application of Knot Theory to DNA and synthetic chemistry, you can get an
overview of why knots are such a fascination for scientists and mathematicians alike.
Introduction to Knots - Learn what's
different about a "mathematical" knot and how we work with, transform, and
classify knots. Also, find out what is the central problem of Knot Theory and what
properties knots have. This page also has a brief introduction to links, another important
topic in the theory of knots.
Advanced Knot Theory Topics - Once you
understand the concepts in the introduction to knots, this page expands your knowledge
with connected sums, composite and prime knots, stick knots, wild knots, and even has a
section on coloring knots and links and why coloring is such an important topic to
mathematicians.
DNA and Knot Theory Today - The recent
interest in knots has been fueled by discoveries that involve knotting in the DNA strand,
the genetic code that resides in all living things. Geneticists have discovered enzymes
that actually "unknot" the DNA strand so that it can replicate. What interest
scientists the most are the changes that occur in the structure of the DNA strand as a
result of these knottings and unknottings.
Activities to Get Your Hands on Knot Theory
- From an interactive game involving simplifying knots visually to 3D virtual reality
knots to classroom-tested lesson plans, this page offers you a wide variety of ways to
visualize and manipulate knots to extend your understanding of the topic.
"Knotty" Fun for All - Fun facts,
game-like activities, jokes, links to other great knot sites, and a small picture gallery
of Mr. Payne's knot photographs can be explored on this enjoyable and informative
entertainment page while you are learning about Knot Theory in other areas of the site.
If you have ideas, questions, or comments about the Knot Theory
Online site and would like to share them, please feel free to e-mail Mr. Payne or Dr. Nardo. We are especially interested
in hearing from teachers who have used knots in the classroom and students who have been
motivated to study knots either in the classroom or on their own.
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