Mathematics can make bad memories of school bubble up or it can be a creative frame through which you see the world.

University of Hawai'i mathematics professor Monique Chyba wants to show you her view in "The Treasures of Mathematics Island," a talk and demonstration for all ages at the UH Campus Center ballroom today.

"Many people convince themselves that mathematics is too boring and too difficult a science. Let's break this common misconception and explore how mathematics can be beautiful and exciting," Chyba said.

"Mathematical patterns are all around us in nature, in space, in architecture, in light patterns," she said.

"Look, for instance, at the Stan Sheriff Center, here at UH. The beauty of the dome lies in its honeycomblike network of triangles, which together form a spherical shape. Even Honolulu's traffic management system has mathematical issues."

Chyba will talk about how and where mathematicians work and how math links to robotics, with the help of ODIN, an independent underwater vehicle developed at UH by the Autonomous System Laboratory, for deep ocean work.

This afternoon, in the Campus Center ballroom, Chyba and her students will build underwater Lego models — with mathematical applications in mind, of course — and the team invites everyone to watch.

Following the talk, the models and ODIN will be on display for questions and answers.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.