Dear MoMath friends,

Turn math into an adventure!  Sunil Singh and Chris Brownell bring action into the classroom, Matt Shlian shares his kinetic creations, and Dave Masunaga returns with the exciting construction — and destruction — of “butterfly bombs.”  Explore crossword puzzles, math as art, book discussions, intuition challenges, and questions that range from mean to impossible.  Plus, don’t miss Math Unfolded, the math of origami, with visits this fall from artists Duks Koschitz, Faye Goldman, and Uyen Nguyen.

MoMath at a Glance 
Open through Jan 5Composite, the gallery at MoMath — Math Unfolded: An Exhibit of Mathematical Origami Art — free with Museum admission
Apply nowExpansions gifted program at MoMath, now including high school sessions with Paul Zeitz!
Wed, Oct 30Counting Connections — one of the meanest math problems ever!
Tue, Nov 5Professional Development at MoMath: “Chasing Rabbits: Building a Lifetime of Curiosity for, and Fascination with, Mathematics through Adventures in Arithmetic”
Tue, Nov 5Solution Set: How to Solve Mathematical Puzzles — a minicourse featuring Peter Winkler
Wed, Nov 6Math Encounters: “Tales of Impossibility: The Problems of Antiquity” with David Richeson
Thu, Nov 7The Mathematics of Wordplay — crossword puzzle design with puzzlehunt master Nathan Curtis
Thu, Nov 7Probability and Intuition — a dinner course for executives, hosted by puzzle expert Peter Winkler
Fri, Nov 8Meet the Artist: Origami artist Matt Shlian
Fri, Nov 8Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Kinetic Creations: A collaborative paper-folding adventure” with Matt Shlian
Tue, Nov 12Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Tue, Nov 12Opt Art, a book discussion with mathematician and author Robert Bosch
Wed, Nov 13Meet the Artist: Origami artist Duks Koschitz
Fri, Nov 15Exhibit Tangents, a deep dive into the math of MoMath’s exhibits
Sat, Nov 16Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Sun, Nov 17Butterfly Bombs — explore unstable modular origami with MoMath favorite Dave Masunaga
Mon, Nov 18Codes and Communication for Humans — a series of three standalone sessions
Thu, Nov 21Meet the Artist: Origami artist Faye Goldman
Fri, Nov 22Equilibrium, an evening of adult mathematical games
Sun, Nov 24Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Sun, Nov 24Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens
Sun, Nov 24Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Mon, Nov 25Codes and Communication for Humans — a series of three standalone sessions
Mon, Dec 2Codes and Communication for Humans — a series of three standalone sessions
Wed, Dec 4Math Encounters: “Double Vision: Explorations of Alternative Math from History” with Glen Van Brummelen
Thu, Dec 5Wonder-ful Math, with children’s author David Schwartz
Fri, Dec 6School group sessions with children’s author David Schwartz
Sat, Dec 7Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Sat, Dec 7Wonder-ful Math, with children’s author David Schwartz
Tue, Dec 10Meet the Artist: Origami workshop led by Uyen Nguyen
Wed, Dec 11Exhibit Tangents, a deep dive into the math of MoMath’s exhibits
Thu, Dec 12Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Thu, Dec 12Probability and Intuition — a dinner course for executives, hosted by puzzle expert Peter Winkler
Fri, Dec 13Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Math in Transit” with Po-Shen Loh
Sat, Dec 14Dimensions 2019: Leonardo’s Codex puzzlehunt
Sun, Dec 15Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens
Sun, Dec 15Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Mon, Dec 16“What Can Puzzles Do for Us?” — Installation of Peter Winkler as MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics — New date!
Tue, Dec 17Solstice Reflections — Celebrate the solstice with MoMath on the Flatiron Public Plaza
Tue, Dec 17Meet the Artist: Origami artist Adrienne Sack
Thu, Dec 19Equilibrium, an evening of adult mathematical games
Thu, Dec 19Cocktail Math, a mathematical cocktail party
Mon, Dec 30MoMath Mini-Camp: Between the Dimensions, for first through sixth graders — Space limited!
Sat, Jan 4Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Tue, Jan 7Math Encounters: “Primes and Zeros: A Million-Dollar Mystery” with Brian Conrey
Thu, Jan 9Exhibit Tangents, a deep dive into the math of MoMath’s exhibits
Fri, Jan 10Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Pentagonal Pursuit: Solving a Century-Old Tiling Problem” with Lauren Siegel
Mon, Jan 13The Mathematics of Simple Things, with Paul Zeitz
School daysBring MoMath to your school with the Extensions program!
Weekday afternoonsSummations: classroom sessions and guided exploration of MoMath for homeschool students
WeekendsMoMath’s Derivatives tour program and Explorations educator-led sessions, available upon request
Tue, Sep 8 through Fri, Sep 11Meet Me in Paris: MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2020 — Mark your calendars now for the biennial MATRIX conference, this year with partners Imaginary and IHP!

Recent press recognition:

Art by the Numbers: At the National Museum of Mathematics, origami helps bridge the gap between art and math and finds the beauty in both.

MoMath: The National Museum of Mathematics in NYC Helps Adults and Children Better Understand the Universal Language Behind Finance

Editors’ Choice Award: The National Museum of Mathematics is a Top Date Spot for Intellectually Curious People in NYC

Math Unfolded, an Exhibit of Mathematical Origami Art
Composite, the gallery at MoMath
Open through January 5, 2020

Start with a piece of flat paper, make a few folds, and suddenly you have a landscape of mountains and valleys, shadows and light.  Make more folds and you have an object that is deeply surprising in its transformation and artistic beauty.  Math Unfolded demonstrates how origami artists can persuade paper to embody the beauty of mathematics.  Come see the creations of more than 20 artists who use mathematical inventions and interpretations to create compelling works of art — including two origami dresses!  This exhibition is curated by Charlene Morrow and Wendy Zeichner of OrigamiUSA.  Learn more at composite.momath.org.

Expansions: An engaging program for gifted math students
Afternoons, beginning in September

Reinvent math class with Expansions, MoMath’s afternoon gifted program.  Featuring programs for mathematically gifted students currently enrolled in 1st through 12th grade, Expansions hands-on lessons are designed and delivered by MoMath’s educational team to challenge and inspire students and to broaden their mathematical horizons.  With topics ranging from fractals to cellular automata, these afternoon sessions provide an opportunity for participants to learn advanced and fascinating topics not included in the standard K-12 curriculum.  Plus, your child can benefit from enjoying math together with small groups of talented and focused young scholars.  Expansions offers sessions at several levels; admission is by application only.  To learn more, visit expansions.momath.org.  MoMath is currently accepting applications for limited spots in the fall 2019 session.

Expansions has just expanded!  MoMath has a new track for grades 9-12, taught by International Math Olympiad participant and trainer Paul Zeitz.  Paul is the co-founder and Board Chairman of Proof School, co-founder of the San Francisco Math Circle, co-founder of the Bay Area Math Olympiad, and author of The Art and Craft of Problem Solving.  Click here to learn more and apply for the Icosahedron program.

MathPlay, MoMath’s program for preschoolers
Thursdays, through December 19; prorated mid-season registration is available

MoMath is delighted to announce the Museum’s newest program for preschoolers.  Led by an experienced preschool specialist, MathPlay offers children the opportunity to play well-developed games that help broaden math skills, improve problem-solving skills, fine-tune motor coordination, and enhance communication and social skills.  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.  MathPlay will engage your preschoolers in playful activities to help them develop a strong foundation in math, enriching their day with mathematical inspiration.  Free Museum admission is included with registration; a caregiver must be present during each 30-minute session.  Learn more and register at mathplay.momath.org.

MoMath announces two new programs for the 2019-2020 school year:

Extensions: bring MoMath to your school!
MoMath’s Extensions is an hour-long program, presented in a math class or in a school auditorium, that exposes students to new ways of thinking about mathematics.  Students will discover that math is both an art and an exploratory science by engaging with puzzles, games, investigations, and physical activities.  Extensions is offered to middle schools and high schools during the 2019-2020 school year.  Learn more and request a presentation at extensions.momath.org.

Summations, MoMath’s homeschool program, now offers guided Museum exploration.
The great mathematician Karl Gauss once described his publications as “few, but ripe.”  In this spirit, join mathematician Paul Zeitz for a focused tour of the Museum, where the goal is to use selected exhibits to really learn about the mathematics behind them.  Yes, there will be homework!  Weekday afternoon tours can be fit to audiences starting at the middle-school level.  Learn more and arrange a visit at summations.momath.org.

Retail Pick of the Month: Glass Dot & Wave Moiré Coasters
This set of four glass coasters creates mesmerizing moiré patterns when stacked and turned.  When they’re not in use, arrange them to transform a simple dotted grid into a blooming circular array, or a wavy line into a dazzling optical effect.


Counting Connections
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 pm

Here’s an innocent and well-known question: What is the maximum number of pieces of pizza you can get with n straight cuts?  Join visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz in an investigation that starts with this question and then dives even deeper.  Ultimately, an imaginative reinterpretation of geometric counting leads to a truly mean-spirited multiple-choice question that may just be one of the 20th century’s meanest math questions ever.  Learn more and register at counting.momath.org.

Professional Development at MoMath: “Chasing Rabbits: Building a Lifetime of Curiosity for, and Fascination with, Mathematics through Adventures in Arithmetic”
Tuesday, November 5, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

In this full-day workshop, Sunil Singh and Dr. Chris Brownell, authors of Math Recess: Playful Learning in an Age of Disruption, will take participants on a wild journey of problem-solving and mathematical thinking that includes games, puzzles, and conundrums from the last 100 years — all rooted in dabbling and tinkering with numbers.  This workshop is geared for all K to 12 math educators who would like to strengthen their understanding of and interest in mathematics.  Learn more and register at pd.momath.org.

Solution Set: How to Solve Mathematical Puzzles — a minicourse featuring Peter Winkler
Tuesday, Nov 5, 6:30 pm — registration for individual classes is available

When someone poses a puzzle, is your first instinct to run?  Many very intelligent people think they’re bad at puzzle-solving — and always will be.  And most of them are wrong.  Like many things in life, puzzle-solving is an acquired skill; a bit of experience and a few tips can go a long way.  Of course, there’s no set way to solve puzzles; if there were, they would be textbook exercises, not uniquely tricky conundrums.  Join Peter Winkler, MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, as he helps us discover that each puzzle has its own logic.  A world of fun and satisfaction awaits once you find your way in!  Learn more and register at solutions.momath.org.

Math Encounters: “Tales of Impossibility: The Problems of Antiquity” with David Richeson
Wednesday, November 6, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

“Nothing is impossible!”  While it is comforting to believe this greeting card sentiment — it’s the American dream, after all — there are impossible things.  Ancient Greek geometers and future generations of mathematicians tried and failed to square circles, trisect angles, double cubes, and construct regular polygons using only a compass and straightedge.  Join David Richeson, Professor of Mathematics at Dickinson College and Editor of Math Horizons, to try your hand at some of these unusual geometric construction techniques.  But get ready to fail — after two thousand years, all four of these “problems of antiquity” have been proved to be mathematically impossible!  Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.

The Mathematics of Wordplay
Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm

Millions of word lovers and puzzle enthusiasts solve crosswords every day, in print and online.  Certainly it helps to have a big vocabulary when solving the daily crossword, but did you know how much math underlies the process of constructing a crossword?  Join puzzle constructor Nathan Curtis in exploring topics from information theory, geometry, and graph theory that explain how a crossword can come to be.  This event is brought to you with the generous support of Saul and Sandra Rosenthal.  Learn more and register at wordplay.momath.org.

Probability and Intuition — a dinner course for executives
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 pm (another standalone session offered on December 12)

99.99% of the decisions we make are made without the use of formal mathematics, yet math plays an important part in shaping our intuition.  Can we improve our intuition?  Can we identify and overcome the difficulties we humans have in dealing with probabilities?  Join Peter Winkler, MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, for a series of exclusive dinner events during which probability and decision theory will be explored in the context of puzzles — realistic or contrived — whose answers may surprise us.  The objective?  Have fun while discovering some new ways to deal with our uncertain world.  Attend individual dinners (each held at a local fine dining establishment) or sign up for all of them, but don’t delay — space is extremely limited for these exclusive events.  Learn more and register at intuition.momath.org.

Meet the Artist: Origami artist Matt Shlian
Friday, November 8, 5:15 pm

Get up close and personal with paper engineer and artist Matt Shlian, who uses engineering skills to create kinetic sculptures.  Matt’s work is a hybrid between art and science; his paper folding helps top scientists visualize cellular division and solar cell development.  While researchers see paper engineering as a metaphor for scientific principles, Shlian sees their inquiry as a basis for artistic inspiration.  Join Matt for a discussion of his work, including the opportunity to handle samples of his artistic creations.  Meet the Artist talks will continue through the end of the year; visit artist.momath.org to register and to see additional dates and artists.

Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Kinetic Creations: A collaborative paper-folding adventure” with Matt Shlian
Friday, November 8, 6:30 pm

Join paper engineer and artist Matt Shlian for an evening of folding fun.  Matt, whose popular appearance on Sesame Street demonstrated the fun of creative paper construction, uses his engineering skills to create kinetic sculptures.  His work has also led to collaborations with top researchers in which paper folding is used to help visualize various scientific phenomena.  Thanks to the generous support of Two Sigma, this program is free to attendees.  Register at familyfridays.momath.org.

Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Tuesday, November 12, 3:30 pm

Students, spend an hour at MoMath independently working on engaging and beautiful math problems, hand-selected by MoMath’s advisory council of math PhDs.  Choose whichever challenges you like and explore them with the guidance and mentorship of an expert mathematician.  If you love math and want to experience the incredible joy of mathematical discovery, you won’t want to miss this enjoyable monthly program.  Learn more and register at workout.momath.org.

Opt Art, a book discussion with mathematician and author Robert Bosch
Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 pm

How does a powerful modeling tool for discovering the best solution to a problem also provide a surprisingly rich medium for creating breathtaking works of art?  Join Robert Bosch in a discussion of his new book, which takes readers on an entertaining tour of linear optimization and how it can be used, including to design compelling visual art.  Bosch, a professor of mathematics at Oberlin College and an award-winning writer and artist, shares how he combines mathematics and computing to create beauty and express emotion through works of art including mosaics, line drawings, and even sculpture.  Buy a copy of Opt Art at the event and get a free laser-cut piece of the author’s artwork!  Learn more and register at optart.momath.org.

Meet the Artist: Origami artist Duks Koschitz
Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 pm

How are art, design, and mathematics interconnected with paper folding?  Architect Duks Koschitz answers this question as he discusses his work — along with the work of groundbreaking computer scientist David Huffman — on curved-crease paper folding.  Join Duks as he takes us from the historical beginnings of this field in the 1970s all the way to his own contemporary work in design and architecture today.  Meet the Artist talks will continue through the end of the year; visit artist.momath.org to register and to see additional dates and artists.

Exhibit Tangents
Friday, November 15, 6:30 pm

Join visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz on a deep dive into your favorite MoMath exhibits.  You already know the exhibits are fun, but now you can peek under the hood to see the real mathematics lurking inside.  Not only will you enjoy a newfound perspective, but you’ll leave with some thought-provoking challenges you can continue to ponder even after you’ve left the Museum.  No questions are off the table!  Each session in this occasional series explores different exhibits.  Learn more and register at tangents.momath.org.

Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Saturday, November 16, 11:00 am

An origami expert from OrigamiUSA will be on hand at MoMath to teach simple origami models to learners of all ages.  Explore the wonders of paper folding and challenge yourself to master a few models — there’s math in every fold!  Free with Museum admission; no pre-registration required.

Butterfly Bombs
Sunday, November 17, 6:30 pm

Origami is the ancient art of paper folding — usually used to portray figures or objects in a very static way.  However, with modular origami (origami models constructed with many of the same units), geometric forms can be created that are anything but stable.  These objects impart their own beauty not only in form, but also in their design and symmetry.  Join Dave Masunaga, mathematics teacher and origami modeler, as he shares a particularly fascinating form, the Butterfly Bomb, developed decades ago by Kenneth Kawamura.  Discover how Kawamura’s remarkably simple module can be used not just in amazing origami construction, but also in exciting origami destruction.  Learn more and register at butterfly.momath.org.

Codes and Communication for Humans — a series of three standalone sessions
Monday, November 18, 6:30 pm (other standalone sessions offered on November 25 and December 2)

The cyber world is filled with complex coding and decoding — but that’s for machines.  Join Paul Zeitz to explore how we humans, with our tiny brains, can communicate efficiently, truthfully, and stealthily.  How much can be conveyed with a single bit of information?  It turns out, quite a bit!  Attend one, two, or three sessions.  Learn more and register at codes.momath.org.

Meet the Artist: Origami artist Faye Goldman
Thursday, November 21, 6:30 pm

From Icosahedra to Eggs: Meet origami artist Faye Goldman as she shares her voyage of discovery.  Starting with “Snapology,” a paper-folding technique that uses strips of paper, she launched into the creation of amazing and beautiful geometric designs, using ribbon to create polyhedra, “eggs,” and a series of donut shapes known as tori.  Meet the Artist talks will continue through the end of the year; visit artist.momath.org to register and to see additional dates and artists.

Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Friday, November 22, 5:30 pm

Tabletop gaming is more fun than ever!  Come join old friends and new for a fun-filled, adult evening featuring a broad array of mathematically rich games.  Bring a snack, play some games, and connect with new and interesting people, all while enjoying the unique evening atmosphere at the nation’s only Museum of Math.  Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.

Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Sunday, November 24, 10:30 am

An origami expert from OrigamiUSA will be on hand at MoMath to teach simple origami models to learners of all ages.  Explore the wonders of paper folding and challenge yourself to master a few models — there’s math in every fold!  Free with Museum admission; no pre-registration required.

Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Professor Stewart’s Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart
Sunday, November 24, 5:30 pm

Imagine a cabinet filled with intriguing mathematical games, puzzles, stories, and factoids intended for the adventurous mind.  Inside, you’ll find hidden gems of logic, geometry, and probability — like how to extract a cherry from a glass (harder than you think), a pop-up dodecahedron, and the real reason why you can’t divide anything by zero.  You never know what enigmas you’ll find in this cabinet imagined by author Ian Stewart, but they’re sure to be clever, mind-expanding, and delightfully fun.  Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.

Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, November 24, 6:30 pm

Don’t miss the next installment of Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle evening for students in late middle school through high school.  If you’re excited by the idea of a fun-filled, math-focused night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy some snacks, and move to some great tunes, then you won’t want to miss this exciting program.  Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.

Codes and Communication for Humans — a series of three standalone sessions
Monday, November 25, and Monday, December 2, 6:30 pm  (another standalone session offered on November 18)

The cyber world is filled with complex coding and decoding – but that’s for machines.  Join Paul Zeitz to explore how we humans, with our tiny brains, can communicate efficiently, truthfully, and stealthily.  How much can be conveyed with a single bit of information?  It turns out, quite a bit!  Attend one, two, or three sessions.  Learn more and register at codes.momath.org.

Math Encounters: “Double Vision: Explorations of Alternative Math from History” with Glen Van Brummelen
Wednesday, December 4, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Is there only one path to mathematics, or can we find different ways to explore the world around us?  Throughout history, in different times and in different cultures, human creativity has found countless ways to investigate the same realities.  Join Glen Van Brummelen, Professor of Mathematics, Quest University, as we delve into several ancient ways of thinking in geometry, all but forgotten today.  Ancient Chinese and Greek sages will help us realize that we really can change the way that we see!  Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.

Wonder-ful Math
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 pm

Rekindle your childhood wonder with acclaimed children’s book writer David Schwartz, author of How Much Is a Million? and If You Hopped Like a Frog.  With a wealth of visuals, David will lead us on an exciting journey that combines math, science, writing, and books.  Children are thrilled by his unique approach – he makes math more relevant and fun than anyone ever thought possible!  Explore the connections between math and literature as David emphasizes the joy and the power of wondering, and shows how his books derive from the mathematical curiosities of his childhood.  The author of over 50 published books, David has spoken at more than one thousand schools all across the USA and around the world; don’t miss his first-ever visit to MoMath.  This presentation will be appropriate for all elementary school grades.  Learn more and register at wonderful.momath.org.

School group sessions with David Schwartz
Friday, December 6 –
sessions available between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Educators, don’t miss this special chance to combine a class visit to MoMath with a presentation by acclaimed children’s author David Schwartz.  David is the author of over 50 books, including How Much Is a Million? and If You Hopped Like a Frog, and children are thrilled by his unique approach that makes math more relevant and fun than anyone ever thought possible.  David has spoken at more than one thousand schools all across the USA and around the world, and he will be leading a limited number of sessions for visiting elementary school groups at MoMath for one morning only.  Learn more about this opportunity at wonderful.momath.org.

Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 am

An origami expert from OrigamiUSA will be on hand at MoMath to teach simple origami models to learners of all ages.  Explore the wonders of paper folding and challenge yourself to master a few models — there’s math in every fold!  Free with Museum admission; no pre-registration required.

Wonder-ful Math, weekend edition
Saturday, December 7
11:00 am (for students in kindergarten through second grade)
2:00 pm (for students in third through fifth grade)

Rekindle your childhood wonder with acclaimed children’s book writer David Schwartz, author of How Much Is a Million? and If You Hopped Like a Frog.  With a wealth of visuals, David will lead us on an exciting journey that combines math, science, writing, and books.  Children are thrilled by his unique approach — he makes math more relevant and fun than anyone ever thought possible!  Explore the connections between math and literature as David emphasizes the joy and the power of wondering, and shows how his books derive from the mathematical curiosities of his childhood.  The author of over 50 published books, he has spoken at more than one thousand schools all across the USA and around the world.  On December 7, David will offer two presentations: one at 11:00 am for students in kindergarten through second grade, and the other at 2:00 pm for students in third grade through fifth grade.  Learn more and register at wonderful.momath.org.

Meet the Artist: Origami workshop led by Uyen Nguyen
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 pm

Engineer-turned-artist Uyen Nguyen, who uses origami to explore mathematical concepts like the Fibonacci sequence, various symmetries, and flat-foldability, returns to MoMath to lead a hands-on folding workshop.  Learn more about Nguyen’s creative and inspiring work, then make your own multistable paper column, reminiscent of the artist’s amazing origami purse!  Learn more and register at foldingfashion.momath.org.

Exhibit Tangents, new content
Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 pm

Join visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz on another deep dive into more of your favorite MoMath exhibits.  You already know the exhibits are fun, but now you can peek under the hood to see the real mathematics lurking inside.  Not only will you enjoy a newfound perspective, but you’ll leave with some thought-provoking challenges you can continue to ponder even after you’ve left the Museum.  No questions are off the table!  Each session in this occasional series explores different exhibits.  Learn more and register at tangents.momath.org.

Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Thursday, December 12, 3:30 pm

Students, spend an hour at MoMath independently working on engaging and beautiful math problems, hand-selected by MoMath’s advisory council of math PhDs.  Choose whichever challenges you like and explore them with the guidance and mentorship of an expert mathematician.  If you love math and want to experience the incredible joy of mathematical discovery, you won’t want to miss this enjoyable monthly program.  Learn more and register at workout.momath.org.

Probability and Intuition — a dinner course for executives
Thursday, December 12, 7:00 pm

99.99% of the decisions we make are made without the use of formal mathematics, yet math plays an important part in shaping our intuition.  Can we improve our intuition?  Can we identify and overcome the difficulties we humans have in dealing with probabilities?  Join Peter Winkler, MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, for a series of exclusive dinner events during which probability and decision theory will be explored in the context of puzzles — realistic or contrived — whose answers may surprise us.  The objective?  Have fun while discovering some new ways to deal with our uncertain world.  Attend individual dinners (each held at a local fine dining establishment) or sign up for all of them, but don’t delay — space is extremely limited for these exclusive events.  Learn more and register at intuition.momath.org.

Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Math in Transit” with Po-Shen Loh
Friday, December 13, 6:30 pm

In New York, getting from Point A to Point B is much more complicated than jumping into a car and driving down the highway.  Efficient travel is an art, with options including taxis, buses, subways, and trains, all interacting with both planned construction and unplanned delays.  Join Po-Shen Loh, social entrepreneur, founder of multiple math learning platforms, Carnegie Mellon University math professor, and national coach of the USA International Mathematical Olympiad team, to think creatively, through a mathematical lens, about the familiar world of transit — and perhaps even make some new observations about everyday life.  Thanks to the generous support of Two Sigma, this program is free to attendees.  Register at familyfridays.momath.org.

Dimensions 2019: Leonardo’s Codex
Saturday, December 14, 4:00 pm

Leonardo da Vinci was a prolific creator and inspiring thinker.  His works range from artistic wonders to engineering marvels to breakthroughs in science and mathematics, all of which can be seen in his illustrations collected in the massive Codex Atlanticus.  This year’s Dimensions puzzlehunt takes inspiration from this polymath of the Renaissance, with puzzles linking art, mathematics, and the humanities.  Come explore the Museum as you navigate these challenges to discover the secrets of the Codex.  This event is brought to you with the generous support of Saul and Sandra Rosenthal and Elisha Wiesel.  Learn more and register at dimensions.momath.org.

Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Genius Squad by Catherine Jinks
Sunday, December 15, 5:30 pm

Join MoMath to discuss this sequel to Evil Genius.  Cadel Piggot has been having a hard time since he chose to be good rather than evil.  Now that the Axis Institute for World Domination has been destroyed and its founder, Dr. Phineas Darkkon, has died, Cadel has round-the-clock surveillance until he testifies against Prosper English, who recruited Cadel for Darkkon’s nefarious school.  When Cadel is approached by the head of Genius Squad, he is dubious that the organization can offer him a real home and all the technology his heart desires.  And how can Genius Squad protect him once Prosper English breaks out of jail?  Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.

Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, December 15, 6:30 pm

Don’t miss the next installment of Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle evening for students in late middle school through high school.  If you’re excited by the idea of a fun-filled, math-focused night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy some snacks, and move to some great tunes, then you won’t want to miss this exciting program.  Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.

“What Can Puzzles Do for Us?”
Installation of Peter Winkler as MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics
Monday, December 16, 8:00 pm — New Date!

Mathematical puzzles can challenge, entertain, befuddle, intrigue, and inspire.  They can help us think outside the box and keep our minds sharp.  But a great puzzle can also open our eyes to a gem of mathematics or a flaw in our intuition.  Join us to learn about some great puzzles as we officially welcome Dr. Peter Winkler as MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics.  Learn more and register at puzzles.momath.org.

Solstice Reflections
Tuesday, December 17, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In celebration of the season of light, MoMath invites you to experience the joyful reflection of a life-sized kaleidoscope.  Come to the Flatiron Public Plaza in Madison Square to snap your own unique holiday selfie while enjoying a hot beverage and a tasty snack together with our friends from the Flatiron Business Improvement District.

Meet the Artist: Origami artist Adrienne Sack
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 pm

Some traditional fabric manipulation techniques used in textiles and fashion for centuries have striking similarities to the origami tessellations that have appeared independently in the last twenty years.  Two of these techniques are North American smocking and plisseur.  These methods use very different processes and materials to produce very similar results.  Join origami artist Adrienne Sack in a discussion of the history of these techniques and an exploration of how origami tessellations are applied to textiles and other materials.  Meet the Artist talks will continue through the end of the year; visit artist.momath.org to register and to see additional dates and artists.

Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Friday, December 19, 5:30 pm

Tabletop gaming is more fun than ever!  Come join old friends and new for a fun-filled, adult evening featuring a broad array of mathematically rich games.  Bring a snack, play some games, and connect with new and interesting people, all while enjoying the unique evening atmosphere at the nation’s only Museum of Math.  Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.

Cocktail Math
Thursday, December 19, 8:00 pm

Math cocktail parties are like any other cocktail party: you need to have good openers and know the stories behind them.  Join Paul Zeitz and the MoMath team for a math-themed cocktail party that includes a fun romp through math history.  Who was the first person to buy supercomputer time?  Are we worshipping the wrong Newton?  Was Gauss a feminist?  Learn these stories and many more — plus beta-test some soon-to-be popular math party games, including Arxiv Bingo and Think-and-Drink.  21+ only.  Learn more and register at cocktail.momath.org.

MoMath Mini-Camp: Between the Dimensions, for first- through sixth-graders
Monday, December 30, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Come join MoMath for a one-day vacation mini-camp!  Students will work together to make hands-on models as they learn how to think about dimensions like a mathematician through the exotic world of fractals.  MoMath offers two camp groups: Epsilons for first- through third-graders, and Deltas for fourth- through sixth-graders.  MoMath’s talented staff will keep campers engaged and entertained with age-appropriate activities, and the program’s curriculum will feature hands-on learning in a warm and friendly atmosphere.  Learn more and register at minicamp.momath.org.

Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Saturday, January 4, 11:00 am

An origami expert from OrigamiUSA will be on hand at MoMath to teach simple origami models to learners of all ages.  Explore the wonders of paper folding and challenge yourself to master a few models — there’s math in every fold!  Free with Museum admission; no pre-registration required.

Math Encounters: “Primes and Zeros: A Million-Dollar Mystery” with Brian Conrey
Tuesday, January 7, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Due to the New Year holiday, the January Math Encounters will take place on Tuesday, January 7, instead of Wednesday, January 1.  How can we quickly determine how many primes there are less than some huge number?  The great mathematician Georg Friedrich Bernhard Riemann proposed a solution 160 years ago — but we still haven’t been able to verify his hypothesis.  Join mathematician Brian Conrey, founding Executive Director of the American Institute of Mathematics, as he shares some of the colorful history surrounding the world’s greatest-ever math challenge.  Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.

Exhibit Tangents, new content
Thursday, January 9, 6:30 pm

Join visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz on another deep dive into more of your favorite MoMath exhibits.  You already know the exhibits are fun, but now you can peek under the hood to see the real mathematics lurking inside.  Not only will you enjoy a newfound perspective, but you’ll leave with some thought-provoking challenges you can continue to ponder even after you’ve left the Museum.  No questions are off the table!  Each session in this occasional series explores different exhibits.  Learn more and register at tangents.momath.org.

Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Pentagonal Pursuit: Solving a Century-Old Tiling Problem” with Lauren Siegel
Friday, January 10, 6:30 pm

Join MathHappens Foundation Director Lauren Siegel to learn about a remarkable 119-year-old story that has everything — top mathematicians, popular culture, surprise contributors, extreme dedication, tragedy, computer algorithms, and even quilting!  The fifteen pentagons that tessellate, or fill space without gaps or overlaps, will be offered for your enjoyment as wooden tiles ready for exploration and decoration.  You can follow your own observations, intuitions, and creativity or look to some inspiring examples from Marjorie Rice and others to make your own pentagonally pleasing designs.  Thanks to the generous support of Two Sigma, this program is free to attendees.  Register at familyfridays.momath.org.

The Mathematics of Simple Things, new content
Monday, January 13, 6:30 pm

Very simple objects can yield great mathematical richness.  Join mathematician Paul Zeitz in this occasional series as he describes the surprising (and mathematical!) fun you can have with items as simple as strips of paper, business cards, and even toothpicks.  Learn more and register at most.momath.org.

Meet Me in Paris: MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2020
Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11

MoMath is pleased to announce that it is joining forces with IHP (Institut Henri Poincaré) and the IMAGINARY team to bring you MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2020.  If you work with a math museum or want to create one; if you design, create, or operate math exhibits; or if you are involved or want to be involved in math outreach or creative math programming, then this is the conference for you!  Join us for four days of sharing, networking, and learning as we gather in Paris for the fourth biennial MATRIX conference.  For more information, visit matrix.momath.org.


Integrators: The MoMath High School Volunteer Program
MoMath accepts a limited number of high school students for ongoing volunteer roles.  The Integrators program offers a unique chance to improve interpersonal and communication skills, explore mathematical concepts, and learn valuable job skills.  MoMath students interact with visitors on the Museum floor and train with professional educators, interpreters, and managers.  School-year volunteers commit one day each weekend.  Apply now for spring 2020 positions.  Applications will be accepted through the end of December 2019.  Learn more and apply at volunteers.momath.org.

Substitutions: MoMath’s substitute educator program
If you enjoy the flexibility and pace of per-diem classroom education, consider applying to MoMath’s new substitute educator program, Substitutions.  MoMath is looking for motivated, experienced substitute teachers who can engage a room full of students and share their love of enriching mathematics — training provided!  This program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs, competitive pay, and the potential for regular engagement.  Learn more about educator positions and apply at jobs.momath.org.

Weekend programs for families
Take a tour with MoMath’s Derivatives 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.

Summations: MoMath’s homeschool program
Homeschool students can experience the excitement of a MoMath field trip!  With the Summations program, homeschoolers can spend the afternoon learning about the math behind MoMath’s engaging interactive exhibits or participating in an exploratory, hands-on classroom experience along with other homeschool families.  Learn more summations.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 programservices@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 organizations including Con Edison, Two Sigma, and The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts, as well as New York City Council Member Mark Levine, 7th District, and some generous MoMath friends, support for Title I schools is now available.  To apply for a free trip in the 2019-2020 school year, visit titleone.momath.org.  Interested in sponsoring a field trip?  Email donation@momath.org.


Beautiful Math
See what mathematicians think is beautiful about mathematics at beautiful.momath.org.

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 500 words, describes an experience that shaped your love of mathematics.

We hope to see you at MoMath!