John H. Conway was a mathematics professor at Princeton and Cambridge Universities. He was famous among mathematicians for his groundbreaking research in abstract algebra, and he was famous among non-mathematicians for his sense of play. For example, he invented “the Game of Life,” which was featured in the Mathematical Games column of Scientific American magazine.

A Conway Pencil Model is a geometric structure made up of pencils and rubber bands, and possessing a high degree of symmetry. Professor Conway invented these models while studying the structure of crystals.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to construct some of these models, and will see how to distinguish between different models based upon their symmetries.