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Ben Sparks

@sparksmaths.bsky.social
3.6K followers 385 following 321 posts

Mathematician, Musician, Speaker, Teacher, Author. Freelance & MEI & Uni of Bath MEI: Maths into AI Uni of Bath: Communicating Maths module Also Numberphile & Maths Inspiration On YouTube @SparksMaths Book a talk or workshop: www.bensparks.co.uk

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Reposted by Ben Sparks
MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
💬 "Relevant to day-to-day course teaching - immediate impact on students." Explore the mathematics behind machine learning and AI through practical classroom activities, online sessions and a face-to-face study day. Starts 21 Oct. buff.ly/RplCiw4 #MathsIntoAI #MathsPD
Promotional graphic for the AMSP course “Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the A level Mathematics Classroom – Blended”. On the left, a group of students sit around classroom tables with open notebooks, papers, pens, books and pencil cases. Three students are positioned prominently at the front, with additional students seated at tables in the background. The classroom has large windows and computer monitors. The photograph is framed by curved red, yellow and dark blue lines. On the right, large dark blue text reads “Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the A level Mathematics Classroom – Blended”, with “Starts 21 October 2026” below. Pale yellow circles of varying sizes decorate the white background. The AMSP logo appears in the bottom-left corner.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Tell us more? What workflow works for this?
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Reposted by Ben Sparks
MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Curious about our Further Mathematics Conference? Explore resources from previous years to see the ideas, activities and approaches covered – and get a flavour of what you could take back to the classroom: buff.ly/czRYa5M #FurtherMaths
A graphic promoting Further Mathematics Conferences. A large navy circular shape fills the left side, edged with curved yellow, white and red lines, with white text reading “Further Mathematics Conferences”. On the right, a white background contains dark blue text reading “Multiple UK locations” and “November 2026”, surrounded by pale cream circles of different sizes. The AMSP logo appears in the bottom left hand corner.
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Reposted by Ben Sparks
MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
📍 Learn alongside fellow teachers at a study day in Birmingham, London or Manchester. Our Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI blended course includes 4 online sessions, 1 study day and a £350 subsidy for eligible participants. Starts 14 Oct. buff.ly/JfrD5bI #AlevelMaths #MathsPD
Promotional graphic for an AMSP course. On the left, two people are working together over documents in a classroom or educational setting. Curved bands in AMSP brand colours separate the photograph from the text area. On the right, the text reads: “Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the A Level Mathematics Classroom – Blended” and “Starts 14 October”. The AMSP logo appears in the bottom-right corner, with decorative yellow circular graphic elements in the lower-left corner.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It would be even better if you applied an 'easing function' to t before using it (smoother movement). 3x²-2x³ is a good one.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I would hide the t slider when actually using this (but I wanted you to see it!)
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Sorry for delay on this! I've sketched up a solution. I added a slider t and changed the on_click script of the button to reset things, and start animating t. Then the t slider has an on_update script to interpolate between the old C position and the target C position. www.geogebra.org/m/xkbqvsgm
geogebra.org
Chris Shore tinkering
Chris Shore tinkering
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Reposted by Ben Sparks
Matt Mack @matthras.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Grant Sanderson's (3blue1brown) guest post on Terry Tao's blog pretty much affirms and expands on my opinion of what's missing in maths academia: more maths communication overall, and especially towards different audiences.
terrytao.wordpress.com
If math is more than proof, we need to better celebrate the rest of it
[This is a guest post by Grant Sanderson. This blog post was initially written in a different file format and converted using AI. — T.] A sentiment echoing throughout the mathematics communit…
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Reposted by Ben Sparks
MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
💻 Explore data using Desmos and Python while developing activities and approaches you can take straight back to the classroom. Join our blended bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI course for A level Mathematics teachers. buff.ly/JfrD5bI #MathsIntoAI #MathsPD
A promotional graphic for an AMSP course. On the left, several students and an adult are gathered around computers in a classroom setting. On the right, the text reads: "Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the A level Mathematics Classroom - Blended" and "Starts 14 October". The AMSP logo appears in the bottom-right corner, with curved AMSP brand colours separating the photo and text sections.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
If you'd actually like to know more, teachers and students can sign up for "Maths into AI" courses from @meimaths.bsky.social to learn about 'machine learning' and other AI aspects. amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat...
amsp.org.uk
Maths into AI Programme - AMSP
Helping students and teachers understand how maths underpins data science, machine learning and AI, and where it can lead.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Once again, time to check what you think AI means. For clarity, and although the article never gets round to saying it, I bet this is *NOT* someone asking Chat-GPT "is this a milk bottle?". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
AI helps recycle old milk bottles into new plastic packaging
AI identifies crushed plastic milk bottles at Redcar plant, helping turn waste into new packaging.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Happy to help if I can. Let me know more details? One useful way of animating a point is to make it depend on a slider t (which ranges from 0 to 1). A point (P) could be defined to as P=A*(1-t) + B* - for two other end points A and B. Then it will move between A and B as the t slider animates.
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Brady Haran @bradyharan.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
NEW VIDEO youtu.be/oax6t6Of2WY
youtu.be
The Biggest Gaps Between Primes - Numberphile
YouTube video by Numberphile
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
MEI & AMSP are running a "Maths into AI" course specially for students *not* studying A level Maths. Perfect for Core Maths, Economics, Statistics & Comp. Sci. students. Intros to Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI. Get more details and sign up here: amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat...
An advert for the Maths into Data Science and AI course from MEI and AMSP, with a picture of a teacher smiling while working with a class.
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Rob Eastaway @robeastaway.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Maths, Shakespeare and Elizabethan History in the West End! On 19th Nov I'm doing my one hour 'Much Ado About Numbers' show at the delightful Club for Acts & Actors in Covent Garden. Tickets are just £12 for non-members, details of the show and booking below. www.eventbrite.com/e/much-ado-a...
eventbrite.com
Much Ado about Numbers
“Brilliantly informative, witty and engaging. Stellar!” Patrick Spottiswoode, founder of Shakespeare’s Globe Education
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Tom Button @tombutton.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The AMSP 'Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the #ALevelMaths classroom' PD course is open for booking Learn about how to integrate data science ideas into your teaching 4 online sessions and a study day - starts 14 Oct … … and there's a £350 bursary amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat...
A presenter talking to a group of teachersA laptop showing a set of box plot
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MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
💻 Have students interested in AI who aren’t studying A level Maths? Maths into Data Science and AI gives the opportunity to explore machine learning, data science and Python through real-world datasets and activities. Starts 29 Sept buff.ly/ETFGqmP #MathsIntoAI
Two students seated at a classroom table with open laptops, notebooks and study materials. Large text on the right reads, “Maths into Data Science and AI for students not studying A Level Mathematics” with “Starts 29 September” below. The AMSP logo appears in the bottom-right corner, with red, blue and yellow curved graphic elements separating the photo and text.
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Natalie Vernon @natalievmei.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A Level Further Mathematics 📍 Teaching Further Mathematics 1 (Birmingham) amsp.org.uk/teachers/ext... 📍 Teaching Discrete Mathematics (London) amsp.org.uk/events/teach...
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Natalie Vernon @natalievmei.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A Level Mathematics 📍 Teaching Statistics 1 (Leeds & London) amsp.org.uk/teachers/ext... 📍 Teaching Mechanics 1 (Manchester & London) amsp.org.uk/teachers/ext... 📍 Teaching A Level Mathematics (Manchester & York) amsp.org.uk/teachers/ext...
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Natalie Vernon @natalievmei.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Are you teaching #ALevelMaths or #ALevelFurtherMaths this year?? We still have a few places on our fully funded longer-term CPD courses with study days around the country. If you are in Leeds I'll be there this year talking statistics! 🤩 Full details: amsp.org.uk/teachers/extended-pd-courses/
amsp.org.uk
Extended Professional Development Programme - AMSP
Extended professional development courses for AS/A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics teachers.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
...but the *slant height* then (not slant edge length as in their diagram) is indeed very close to φ times the base length. Which I think is a consequence of the pyramid's choice of gradient (i.e. 7/11) (this also results in a base-perimeter/height ratio of very close to 2π).
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Just while I'm thinking about it: I don't understand the π reference on the base length (what units!? not cubits?)... Sources seem to suggest 440 cubits base and 280 cubits height...
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Hmm. It's a well intentioned post, that seems to have some horrendous misunderstandings.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Source of this execration?
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Big MathsJam @bigmathsjam.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Want to help out with this year’s MathsJam UK Gathering? We need volunteers to help with running the event, organising lifts for attendees, and many other things! Email volunteer@mathsjam.com if you can help.
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Rob Eastaway @robeastaway.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Many sixth formers studying maths want a career that involves helping the environment and working with people. Few of them think of civil engineering as an option. On 18th Sept we're putting on a special Maths Inspiration show about this very topic. Aoife Hunt hosts three great young speakers.
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Tom Button @tombutton.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The AMSP Maths into Data Science and AI courses for #ALevelMaths and non-A level Maths students are now open for booking for the autumn term. You can apply now for your students at: A level - amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat... Non A level - amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat...
A data scientist pointing at a graph on a screen
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Tom Button @tombutton.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The AMSP 'Bringing the Maths of Data Science and AI into the A level Mathematics classroom' PD course is now open for booking for the autumn term 4 online sessions and a study day in London, Birmingham or Manchester (and there's a £350 bursary for attending!) amsp.org.uk/teachers/mat...
A presenter in front of a screenTeachers at a professional development day
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Lovely. And somewhat frightening for my mind that a video that long proves compelling enough to actually watch. I'd like to ask a bit more about how you went about making the live code highlight alongside the visuals (but fear the long answer). It's what makes the example fascinating to watch.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Is it?
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MEI @meimaths.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A small number of places have become available on our New to Teaching A level Mathematics Summer School. Build confidence in teaching pure maths, mechanics and statistics alongside fellow teachers. 🔗 buff.ly/nc6yhwc #ALevelMaths #MathsTeachers
Promotional graphic for the AMSP New to Teaching A Level Mathematics Summer School. On the left, three people wearing lanyards collaborate around a table, reviewing papers and notebooks in a classroom or office setting. The photo is framed by curved red and orange accent lines. On the right, large text reads “New to Teaching A level Mathematics Summer School” with “Starts 17 August 2026” below. The AMSP logo appears in the bottom-left corner against a light grey background with pale circular patterns.
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Talking Maths in Public @tmip.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
The next episode of the TMiP podcast is now available! Listen to members of the TMiP community, and others who communicate maths, sharing their experiences, opinions and top tips on maths communication. Find all episodes and more info at tmip.uk/podcast
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Brady Haran @bradyharan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Latest video on Numberphile - full version over on The Tubes - youtu.be/cOTf_YEmSOU
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Maths Gear Limited @mathsgear.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Maths Gear is an online shop based in the UK, selling fun and functional (as in, related to functions) mathematical toys, gifts and puzzles. Find it all at
mathsgear.co.uk
Maths Gear - Mathematical toys and curiosities
We sell nerdy maths things
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ednl🇪🇺 @ee1.nl · 18/07/2026
Fun new video from @bradyharan.bsky.social with @sparksmaths.bsky.social about the triangular numbers, sum of squares, sum of cubes. Very visual as always with THE WOLVERINE OF MATHS www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOTf...
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"What are the chances...?"
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The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 16/07/2026
Our incomplete history of music comes to an end tonight. Final episode available from 9pm. Of course, there's a bonus tenth episode coming for patreon subscribers next month though! youtu.be/lp75UZKxRbo
youtu.be
For the Record: An Incomplete History of Music - Part Nine | Presented by Charlotte Ritchie
YouTube video by The Cosmic Shambles Network
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Talking Maths in Public @tmip.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Talking Maths in Public (TMiP) is the UK's network for maths communication, bringing together people who communicate maths in a range of formats, to a variety of audiences. Sign up for our newsletter, find out about our activities and listen to our monthly podcast by visiting tmip.uk
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
High level comedy?
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Michael Kinyon @profkinyon.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
I asked Gemini if it's more accurate to say that LLM's are sycophantic or obsequious, and it said that was one of the best questions it had ever been asked.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Have you ever seen Adrien Brody and Adam Rutherford in the same room?
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I recorded this bit for @cosmicshambles.com about a week after my son was born. I'm gobsmacked I was even coherent. The For The Record documentary is worth a watch!
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The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 08/07/2026
Turns out there's some pretty nifty maths at work in the background that helps to explain why we like the music we like. And it's all to do with frequencies... Sort of. In part 2 of For the Record musician & mathematician @sparksmaths.bsky.social breaks it down. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHC...
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
And our previous collaboration (with @samhartburn.bsky.social for @sciencemuseum.org.uk) is now stocked with signed copies at Maths Gear @mathsgear.bsky.social mathsgear.co.uk/collections/...
mathsgear.co.uk
100 Ideas in 100 Words: Maths (signed hardback)
One of the first titles in a cutting-edge new series created in partnership with The Science Museum, this book introduces 100 key areas of maths - such as prime numbers, algebra, probability, algorith...
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Book promotion time! @steckl.es and I worked together again on this one, published a few weeks ago (but I've only just got hold of a copy myself!). uk.bookshop.org/p/books/why-... Let us know what you think! (P.S. Cover design was not actually our choice...)
uk.bookshop.org
Why Don’t Rabbits Rule The World?: Mathematical answers to life’s key questions
Have you ever wondered why, despite their adorable exterior, rabbits haven't taken over the world? Are you struggling to land a date? Or bend a free kick like Beckham? These questions - though frustra...
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Maths Gear Limited @mathsgear.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
We’ve only recently added another maths book to the site - authored by Katie Steckles, Sam Hartburn and Ben Sparks, 100 Ideas in 100 Words: Maths was commissioned by the Science Museum and has 100 snappy summaries of mathematical concepts:
mathsgear.co.uk
100 Ideas in 100 Words: Maths (signed hardback)
One of the first titles in a cutting-edge new series created in partnership with The Science Museum, this book introduces 100 key areas of maths - such as prime numbers, algebra, probabil...
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The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 05/07/2026
Charlotte Ritchie presents the critically acclaimed 'For the Record: An Incomplete History of Music', a new landmark nine part docuseries tracing the entire history of music from The Big Bang to AI and everything in between. Stream it now for free on youtube.com/cosmicshambles
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Ayliean @ayliean.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Hehe well, I have near no work booked in for August or September - help! I’m good at entertaining maths talks… Commission me to: Create maths art for your office, Speak on your podcast, Compère your event, Walk your dog… I’m an expert in maths teaching and learning :) Feel free to share this 🤓💗
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Rob Eastaway @robeastaway.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
At 2pm on Tuesday 7th July I'm doing a Much Ado talk for the general public, at the wonderful Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot near Liverpool. (I'm guessing a mainly adult audience, though it's advertised for "age 8+"). shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/much-a...
shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Much Ado About Numbers | Shakespeare North Playhouse
In this highly acclaimed tour and talk, award-winning author Rob Eastaway reveals the surprising connections between Shakespeare and the fascinating world of numbers.
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Ben Sparks @sparksmaths.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Sorry, not 'competition' - *project*.
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