World's Fair Math
The Mathematics of the 1904 World's Fair
Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Join in-person at STLCC-Wildwood or virtually
In 1904, St. Louis was the fourth-largest city in the United States. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, more commonly known as the 1904 World’s Fair, is reflected on as the greatest fair ever. The World came to St. Louis from April 30, 1904 to Dec. 1, 1904.
Have you ever wondered how much it cost to visit various attractions, and the value of the entrance price in the day? Or, how many people (and horses) the Observation Wheel could hold at once? These are just a few of the calculations we will investigate in this presentation.
While we have all been in awe of the impressive numbers of the 1904 World’s Fair, this presentation will focus on calculations that will help you experience the Fair from a new perspective. Even the most knowledgeable Fair enthusiasts will enjoy the fun numerical facts that will be shared in an exciting countdown from 20 to 1.
This is an interactive presentation, so be sure to bring your smartphone or tablet if you want to participate in the fun; but don’t worry – you won’t have to do the math to enjoy this up-beat presentation! There will also be various artifacts from the Fair on display for all to enjoy.
About the Presenter:
Kim Granger, Ed.D., is a professor of mathematics at St. Louis Community College. She has over 25 years of teaching experience, including several years as a middle school teacher. Granger joined STLCC-Wildwood in 2008. Prior to this, she taught in Hawaii and California.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and English from Milligan College, a master’s degree in mathematics from California State University in Fullerton and a doctoral degree in higher education leadership from the University of Southern California.
Many years ago, she began collecting antique stereoscope cards, some of which she will share during this lecture. When she came across some amazing stereoscope shots of the 1904 World’s Fair, she became fascinated with the Fair and began learning all she could about it. Today, she is an active member of the 1904 World’s Fair Society, for whom she has been a guest lecturer.