2017.09 September-October

Dear MoMath friends,

There’s something for all ages and stages at MoMath this fall.  Toddlers and preschoolers can set the stage for a lifetime love of math at PolyPals, elementary school children will enjoy an eye-opening peg board demonstration at Family Fridays; middle school children will love Tween Primes and Unlimited; and older students will enjoy Adventures in Algorithms, MoMath’s exciting new program in experimental computational Mathematica.  Plus, adults will enjoy doodling mathematically with Stanford’s Ravi Vakil and Equilibrium, MoMath’s adult-only game night.  And grandparents, don’t forget you can bring the grandkids to MoMath for free on September 9 and 10.  Finally, don’t miss an exciting opportunity for all: John Conway, called “the world’s most charismatic mathematician,” will be on site during Equilibrium and for Conway’s Corner, playing games, posing puzzles, and chatting about math, games, and life with all comers.

MoMath at a Glance  
Now Open! MoMath’s newest exhibit, Hoop Curves
Tues, beginning September 5 PolyPals, the MoMath program for toddlers and preschoolers
Wed, September 6 Math Encounters: “The Mathematics of Doodling” with Ravi Vakil
Fri, September 8 Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Picking Points A-Plenty” with Nat Stahl
Sat & Sun, September 9 & 10 Grandparents’ weekend: Free admission for grandparents and up to two grandchildren!
Sat, September 9 Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Sun, September 10, 17,
& October 8
Conway’s Corner: Chat with “the world’s most charismatic mathematician,” John Conway
Sun, September 10 New programs for Math Square and Dynamic Wall make their debut!
Sun, September 10 Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for 6th through 9th graders
Tues, September 12 Roundtable, the MoMath Math Teachers’ Circle: “Grappling with Gripping Graphs” with Art Kalish
Thurs, September 14 Volumes, the MoMath book club: The Wild Numbers by Philibert Schogt
Fri, September 15 Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra by Wendy Lichtman
Sat, beginning September 16 Adventures in Algorithms: experimental computational Mathematica
Tues, September 19 Harlem Globetrotters at MoMath
Wed, October 4 Math Encounters: “This Game is Rigged!  How math can make you a winner” with Paul Zeitz
Thurs, October 5 Solve for XX: A Celebration of Women in Mathematics
Thurs, October 5 Anousheh Ansari, Entrepreneur and Space Adventurer
Fri, October 6 Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “A Construction Toy Revolution: Introducing Lux!” with Heather and Mike Acerra
Sat, October 7 Global Math Project Symposium and Global Math Week kickoff party
Sun, October 8 Free Play: a FREE morning at MoMath
Sun, October 8 Roundtable, the MoMath Math Teachers’ Circle: “Spying Spaces with Sneaky Snippets”
Sun, October 8 Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for 6th through 9th graders
Tues, October 24 Fibonacci Fête: MoMath’s annual gala
Weekends MoMath’s Derivatives tour program and Explorations sessions, available upon request


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Field trips: Back-to-School deals!
Don’t miss your chance to visit MoMath for half price!  Book a trip during the first two weeks of September (4th through 15th) and receive 50% off.  Or, receive a 25% discount for trips during the last two weeks of September (18th through 29th).  Visit fieldtrips.momath.org to learn more and book a trip.

New Expansions gifted workshops kicking off in September!
What does it mean to think like a mathematician?  How do you appreciate the beauty in mathematics?  Join other mathematically-talented peers as you explore the chestnuts of mathematics in this exclusive program designed to deep-dive into topics not typically introduced in school.  Workshops will be differentiated by mathematical experience, rather than by age or grade.  Participation by application only; past applicants must re-apply.  Applications will be available on September 1 with free trial classes scheduled from September 11 through September 22.  Please note: applicants must attend a trial class as part of the application process.  Stay tuned to expansions.momath.org for class schedules and to apply.

Now open: MoMath’s newest exhibit, Hoop Curves
Recreating a regulation-size free throw space within the Museum, Hoop Curves invites you to take your best shot and then to do so again, this time with the aid of a robotic ball-shooter.  Using cutting edge technology to record the components of every ball launch, this exhibit promises to combine America’s love of sports with data visualization techniques that will help you improve your throw.  So come on down and take your best shot…with math!  Learn more at hoopcurves.momath.org.  And don’t miss a visit from a few members of the Harlem Globetrotters on September 19 at 11:00 am.

High school students: volunteer at MoMath on weekends starting this fall
High school students with a love of math can become a part of MoMath!  Gain valuable experience while helping others and add something unique to your college applications.  Applications for MoMath’s 2017-2018 high school volunteer program (starting in September 2017) are available for a limited time at momath.org/jobs.  Only a few spaces remain: don’t wait to apply!

Weekend programs for families
Take a tour with MoMath’s Derivatives tour program (derivatives.momath.org), or join one of MoMath’s specially-trained educators in Explorations, a hands-on classroom experience to discover the wonder of mathematics (explorations.momath.org).  Don’t miss your chance to see math in a whole new light, only at MoMath.


PolyPals
Tuesdays, beginning September 5, 9:45 am

PolyPals is back!  The popular MoMath program for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3 and up) returns.  Recent studies have shown that a child’s math skills upon entering kindergarten can be a strong predictor of future academic performance in both math and reading throughout the elementary grades.  Math learning promotes working memory, improves attention, and increases other basic cognitive skills.  PolyPals offers the opportunity to listen to math-themed stories and have fun exploring the concepts behind them.  Engage your preschoolers in these playful activities to help them develop a strong foundation.  Preschoolers will participate in songs, stories, and activities tied to a different theme each week.  Patterns, shapes, numbers, and more — PolyPals is a great way to enrich your child’s day with mathematical inspiration.  Learn more and register at polypals.momath.org.
 
Math Encounters: “The Mathematics of Doodling” with Ravi Vakil
Wednesday, September 6, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Doodling has many fun mathematical aspects: patterns, shapes, numbers, and more.  But surprisingly, there is often sophisticated mathematics buried inside common doodles, too.  While doodling may look and feel like play, it actually reflects what mathematics is really about:  finding patterns in nature, explaining them, and extending them.  Join Ravi Vakil, Stanford professor of mathematics, and doodle your way through some important notions in geometry, topology, and physics, some fundamental ideas guiding the development of mathematics over the last century, and even some ongoing work that continues today.  Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.
 
Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: Picking Points A-Plenty” with Nat Stahl
Friday, September 8, 6:30 pm
Is there a relationship between the distance around an area and the space inside it?  Is it possible to simply look at a shape and immediately compute its area in your head?  Join us in an exploration using a simple peg board and rubber bands and discover the connections between boundaries and interiors — then see if you can prove them!  Learn more and register at familyfridays.momath.org.
 
Grandparents’ weekend
Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10
Admission is free for grandparents and up to two grandchildren to visit the Museum together during grandparents’ weekend!  No registration is required, but please note that space may be limited.

Explorations: Grandparents Day
MoMath is pleased to offer a special Explorations session for Grandparents day!  Experience a special educator-led session designed for grandparents to enjoy together with their grandchildren.  Advance registration is required and space is limited, so register today at grandparents.momath.org.

Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Saturday, September 9, 6:00 pm

Tabletop gaming is more fun than ever!  This month, join MoMath’s special guest, Dr. John Conway, at Equilibrium!  Conway is a pioneer in the study of mathematical games and has invented many games of his own.  Challenge him to a round of Dots and Boxes, Sprouts, or one of our exciting board games.  As always, bring a snack, meet new friends, and game the night away in MoMath’s unique evening atmosphere.  Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.

Conway’s Corner
Sundays, September 10, 17, and October 8

Don’t miss legendary mathematician John Conway as he holds court at MoMath next month.
    • First, join us at Equilibrium, MoMath’s game night, at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, and try your hand at beating John at a game of Dots and Boxes or Sprouts.  Register for Equilibrium at equilibrium.momath.org.
    • Then, catch John during the Conway’s Corner series at MoMath. Talk to John about math, games, and life on Sundays, September 10, 17, and October 8.  John will be at the Museum from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on each of those days.  Learn more at conway.momath.org.
New programs for Math Square and Dynamic Wall make their debut!
Sunday, September 10, 3:00 pm
Join MoMath at 3:00 pm on September 10 as it introduces the first new behaviors for Math Square and Dynamic Wall created by visitors like you!  The Museum will be unveiling new games, activities, and demonstrations developed at the MoMath hackathon in early August.  You won’t want to miss these incredible new additions to the lineup!
 
Technology enthusiasts: You’re invited to contribute to two of MoMath’s high tech exhibits!  Software development kits for Math Square and Dynamic Wall are now open to the public.  If you’re a technology expert who likes to program on the side, a technology hobbyist, a teacher of technology courses, or anyone who just enjoys exploring new technologies, now you can design and submit new behaviors for these two breathtaking exhibits.  A selection of submitted behaviors will be displayed on the exhibits throughout the coming months, and some may even join the permanent repertoire of rotating exhibit behaviors.  Click here to learn more.
 
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for 6th through 9th graders
Sunday, September 10, 6:30 pm

Celebrate the end of summer with your friends at the nation’s only Museum of Mathematics.  If you’re excited by the idea of a math-filled, parent-free night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to the tunes of First Class DJs, then don’t miss this exciting program just for 6th through 9th graders.  The best part?  No parents allowed!  Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.

Roundtable, the MoMath Math Teachers’ Circle: “Grappling with Gripping Graphs” with Art Kalish
Tuesday, September 12, 5:00 pm

Join the MoMath Roundtable!  If you’re a K-6 educator who wants to enjoy or improve your relationship with math, don’t miss the next installation of the Math Teachers’ Circle at MoMath.  Start the school year right and join us for an evening of creative math play and camaraderie.

About “Grappling with Gripping Graphs” with Art Kalish: Discover which pictures you can and cannot draw without lifting your pencil; then learn some of the important real-world applications of this seemingly innocent activity.  There’s more there than meets the eye!  Learn more and register at roundtable.momath.org.
 
Volumes, the MoMath book club: The Wild Numbers by Philibert Schogt
Thursday, September 14, 6:30 pm
As a mathematician — not an outstanding one, but a competent, unextraordinary pencil-pusher — Professor Isaac Swift is constantly told that it’s the prodigies of his profession, the burning suns of his little universe, that advance human knowledge.  Now Isaac thinks he’s found the solution to ‘Beauregard’s Wild Number problem,’ the puzzle that has stumped savants the world over for centuries.  And Dimitri, his mentor at the university, a great mathematician himself, thinks Isaac has cracked it.  If so, Isaac will have elevated himself to the ranks of the immortals.  But an accusation of plagiarism from the tweed-clad mature student Leonard Vale creates a storm of violence and anguish
that threatens to disrupt both the university and Isaac’s sanity.  The Wild Numbers is a gripping story about self-doubt, ambition, and delusion.  Learn more and register at volumes.momath.org.

Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra by Wendy Lichtman
Friday, September 15, 4:30 pm

Tess loves math because it’s the one subject she can trust — there’s always just one right answer, and it never changes.  But then she starts algebra and is introduced to those pesky and mysterious variables, which seem to be everywhere in eighth grade.  When even your friends and parents can be variables, how in the world do you find out the right answers to the really important questions, like what to do about a boy you like or whom to tell when someone’s done something really bad?  Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.

Adventures in Algorithms: experimental computational Mathematica
Saturdays, beginning September 16, 9:00 am
It’s time to experiment with math!  Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to probe many unsolved problems in mathematics using high-performance computing enabled by Wolfram Language; the program is based on real-world problems facing scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory.  If you’re a math lover who wants to witness the power of pure math fused with introductory computing, this is the course for you.  No prior programming experience is required.  Learn more and register at algorithms.momath.org.
 
Harlem Globetrotters at MoMath
Tuesday, September 19, 11:00 am
Cheese Chisholm and Firefly Fisher of the Harlem Globetrotters face off against MoMath’s newest exhibit, Hoop Curves, and BallBot, the basketball free-throw-shooting robot.

Math Encounters: “This Game is Rigged!  How math can make you a winner” with Paul Zeitz
Wednesday, October 4, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Play games of strategy with University of San Francisco Professor of Mathematics Paul Zeitz, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Proof School.  Together, explore a variety of wagers and games that practically guarantee a win for the player who makes the best mathematical analysis — and figure out why this is the case.  It’s not all fun and games, though: these vignettes have important mathematical morals to share.  Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.

Solve for XX: A Celebration of Women in Mathematics
Thursday, October 5, 4:30 pm, including pizza

Teen and tween girls, come meet the first civilian woman in space, Anousheh Ansari, at this informal discussion session.  Learn how she uses math in her life and her career, and hear the story that took her from Iran to the United States to the International Space Station.  If there’s a young woman you know whose interest might be sparked, don’t miss this opportunity to interact with this engaging and entrepreneurial space adventurer.  This event is free thanks to a generous donation from Arnold Leibowitz in honor of Martin Albert Leibowitz.  Register at solve.momath.org.
 
Anousheh Ansari, Entrepreneur and Space Adventurer
Thursday, October 5, 6:30 pm, including light refreshments

How does a young Iranian woman end up traveling to the International Space Station to become the first civilian woman in space?  What was it like growing up in Iran and then moving to a new country as a teenager?  What drove her to want to make this amazing journey, and how has the experience changed her life?  Come meet Anousheh Ansari as she shares her incredible story of determination, hard work, and ultimately, tremendous success.  This event is free thanks to the generous support of OppenheimerFunds.  Learn more and register at ansari.momath.org.  Please also visit this page to donate to a scholarship fund in honor of another Iranian-American woman,
Maryam Mirzakhani, who was the first woman and the first Iranian to win a Fields Medal.
 
Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “A Construction Toy Revolution: Introducing Lux!” with Heather and Mike Acerra
Friday, October 6, 6:30 pm
Join toy creators Heather and Mike Acerra as they take you on a hands-on journey into Lux, their creative new kinematic construction system.  Using only identical square pieces with hinged joints, this novel new building system provides moving linkages that allow a whole new range of creative play.  Learn how and why Lux was invented, explore the mathematical ideas encoded in it, and build mathematical and scientific models.  Plus, be among the first to enjoy the brand new Platonic and Archimedean sets, created exclusively for MoMath.  Learn more and register at familyfridays.momath.org.
 
Global Math Project Symposium and Global Math Week kickoff party
Saturday, October 7, 8:15 am

This year, Global Math Week begins on 10-10-17.  In celebration of this event, MoMath has helped organize a symposium for mathematicians, math educators, and those who are involved with math outreach.  All are welcome to attend this free event on Saturday, October 7 at NYU’s Courant Institute, but you must register to participate.  A celebration of Global Math Week will also take place later that evening at the National Museum of Mathematics, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.  Come experience more than three dozen engaging math exhibits, plus enjoy music and refreshments, with some of the nation’s top names in mathematics.  Registration is required for all events.  Learn more and
register at gmp.momath.org.
 
Free Play: A FREE morning at MoMath in honor of Global Math Week
Sunday, October 8, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

For one morning, admission to MoMath will be completely free for all visitors, courtesy of OppenheimerFunds!  Come enjoy all your favorite exhibits — and if you have friends who have never been to the Museum, there’s no better time to bring them along.
 
Roundtable, the MoMath Math Teachers’ Circle: “Spying Spaces with Sneaky Snippets”
Sunday, October 8, 8:30 am
Join the MoMath Roundtable!  If you’re a K-6 educator who wants to enjoy or improve your relationship with math, don’t miss the next installation of the Math Teachers’ Circle at MoMath.  Join us for a morning of creative math play and camaraderie.
 
About “Spying Spaces with Sneaky Snippets”: Given an arbitrary room full of valuables, how many eagle-eyed guards are needed to catch any potential sneaky thieves?  Come and explore lines of sight, new representations, and polygon decomposition at MoMath!  Learn more and register at roundtable.momath.org.

Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for 6th through 9th graders
Sunday, October 8, 6:30 pm

If you’re excited by the idea of a math-filled, parent-free night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to the tunes of First Class DJs, then don’t miss this exciting program just for 6th through 9th graders.  The best part?  No parents allowed!  Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.

Fibonacci Fête: MoMath’s annual gala
Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 pm
Don’t miss the most fashionable math event of the season, MoMath’s 2017 gala.  Join us in honoring Keith Devlin for his work in communicating mathematics to diverse audiences and enjoy hearing “The Unfiltered Math Guy” as Keith talks with his NPR Weekend Edition on-air host, Scott Simon.  Learn more and register at gala.momath.org.

Events, birthday parties, and more
Looking to host a one-of-a-kind event where your guests can interact with over 40 engaging exhibits?  Enter a world of mathematical intrigue, but don’t worry: amidst all the activity, there is plenty of space for gala-worthy dinners, over-the-top birthday bashes, laser-cutting parties, and bar/bat mitzvahs.  Who knew math could be this much fun?  Email events@momath.org for more information.

School and group visits
MoMath has over a dozen great programs for school groups visiting the Museum.  From graph coloring to Möbius bands, bring your students to MoMath for a view into the exciting world of mathematics, and see why kids of all ages love visiting the Museum.  Register at fieldtrips.momath.org.

Free trips for Title I schools
Thanks to the support of companies including OppenheimerFunds, Con Edison, and Two Sigma, as well as some generous MoMath friends, support for Title I schools is now available.  To apply for a free trip in the 2017-2018 school year, visit titleone.momath.orgInterested in sponsoring a field trip?  Email donation@momath.org.

Beautiful Math
See what mathematicians think is beautiful about mathematics at beautiful.momath.org.  Now featuring Stephen Wolfram!

Have you tried out for Varsity Math yet?
Get your weekly puzzle fix from MoMath in the Wall Street Journal every Saturday, or check out varsity.momath.org and blogs.wsj.com/puzzle.

Spread the MoMath word
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Join the MoMath community
Become a member today and help ensure that MoMath continues to deliver exciting and engaging math programs for all ages.  Visit momath.org/join to become a member and receive unlimited access to MoMath’s innovative exhibits, plus discounts in Additions, the shop at MoMath.  Become a premium member and receive early notices and invitations to exclusive MoMath events.  Join now and take advantage of MoMath’s low rates.  To learn more about long-term memberships, call (212) 542-0566.

We need you!
Interested in volunteering on the Museum floor?  If you love math, would like to help others enjoy MoMath’s interactive suite of exhibits, and are willing to devote two 4-hour shifts each month, please send an email to jobs@momath.org with the subject line “MoMath integrator.”  Please include a cover letter, current résumé, and a newly-written essay that, in approximately 150 to 300 words, describes an experience that shaped your love of mathematics.

We hope to see you at MoMath!

Regards,
National Museum of Mathematics

Support MoMath at momath.org/contribute
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(212) 542-0566

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