USU's Science Unwrapped Asks 'How Big or How Small' Friday, Sept. 28

Each day we’re bombarded with news related to very big and very small numbers. From the limitless bounds of the universe to the realm of unseen pathogens, our brains struggle to process what is immense and what is infinitesimal.

“Trying to imagine numbers too massive or too miniscule to see can be mind-boggling,” says Utah State University mathematician Luis Gordillo. “That’s why scientists rely on ‘Powers of 10’ notation to understand different physical scales and how big or how small things really are.”

Gordillo, associate professor in USU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, kicks off Science Unwrapped’s 10th anniversary “Powers of 10” series Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center on USU’s Logan campus.

Hosted by USU’s College of Science, admission to the public outreach program is free and all ages are welcome. Refreshments and hands-on learning activities conducted by USU students and faculty members, along with community groups, follow Gordillo’s talk.

“Our 10th anniversary marks an important milestone and we’re excited to introduce our new ‘Powers of 10’ series,” says Nancy Huntly, Science Unwrapped chair, director of USU’s Ecology Center and professor in the Department of Biology. “We have a great line-up of speakers for the 2018-19 academic year, who’ll guide us from the vast breadth of the Cosmos down to the tiny quantum scale.”

At a glance, upcoming “Powers of 10” talks and their presenters are:

Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
- “How Big or How Small? Understanding the Powers of 10”
- Mathematician Luis Gordillo, associate professor in USU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the USU Ecology Center
Friday, Oct. 26, 2018
- “Cosmologic”
- Physicist Tonya Triplett, principal lecturer in USU’s Department of Physics
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018
- “Planetary”
- Geologist Carol Dehler, associate professor in USU’s Department of Geology
Friday, Jan. 25, 2019
- “Microscopic”
- Biologist Bonnie Waring, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Biology and the USU Ecology Center
Friday, Feb. 22, 2019
- “Nano”
- Biological Engineer Elizabeth Vargis, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineer Nick Roberts, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Friday, March 22, 2019
- “Ångström”Biochemist
- Sean Johnson, associate professor in USU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and associate dean, USU College of Science
Friday, April 12, 2019
- “Quantum”
- Physicist Charlie Torre, professor in USU’s Department of Physics

Each presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center on campus. Initiated by the college in February 2009, Science Unwrapped introduces science in a relaxed, entertaining manner. Presentations begin with a brief lecture, followed by hands-on learning activities and refreshments. Each event draws several hundred guests, with attendees ranging from preschoolers to senior citizens.