Mathematics of Planet Earth Announces Competition for Open Source Exhibition of Virtual Modules

The Mathematics of Planet Earth, an international initiative by the North American math institutes, is sponsoring a competition for an open source exhibition of virtual modules. The modules submitted to the competition will be part of an open source exhibition on the theme of Mathematics of Planet Earth. They could be reproduced and utilized by many users around the world from science museums to schools under a Creative Commons type license. The exhibition will have a virtual part, as well as instructions to realize material parts. To stimulate imagination on the many domains where mathematics plays a crucial role in planetary issues. four themes are proposed:  a planet to discover (oceans; meteorology and climate; mantle processes, natural resources, celestial mechanics); a planet supporting life (ecology, biodiversity, evolution); a planet organized by humans (political, economic, social and financial systems; organization of transport and communications networks; management of resources; energy); and a planet at risk (climate change, sustainable development, epidemics; invasive species, natural disasters).  Ideas for possible modules can be found in this document. The competition is open from January 2012 to May 15, 2012, and first, second and third prizes will receive $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000, respectively. NIMBioS is a participant in a special year of broadly based programs in 2013 on the Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE2013). MPE2013 will provide a platform to showcase the relevance of mathematics to addressing the biological aspects of planetary problems and create a context for the mathematical and interdisciplinary developments necessary to meet global challenges. For more information about the competition, click here.