Dear MoMath friends,
Don’t miss the final days of Math Unfolded, MoMath’s latest gallery show, described by The New York Times as demonstrating how “origami helps bridge the gap between art and math and finds the beauty in both.” Then, kick off 2020 by joining MoMath favorite Melissa Silk, who returns from Down Under to help create a giant glowing representation of the constellation Southern Cross. The new year continues with explorations of the way in which math is used in everything from expressing human relationships to games of strategy, and from understanding the news we read to organizing social events on a cruise. Plus, don’t miss the winter installation of Minds on Math with MacArthur Fellowship recipient Josh Tenenbaum, who uses computational modeling to understand human cognition and cognitive development. From primes to polynomials, pentagons to pirouettes, and puzzles to pi, mathematical pleasures and pursuits abound at MoMath.
Wishing you a holiday season of countless joys and a new year filled with infinitely pleasing mathematical adventures!
MoMath at a Glance | |
Through Sun, Jan 5! | Composite, the gallery at MoMath – Math Unfolded: An Exhibit of Mathematical Origami Art – free with Museum admission |
Now accepting applications |
Expansions gifted program at MoMath, now including high school sessions with Paul Zeitz! |
MathPlay, MoMath’s program for preschoolers | |
Absolute Value, an after-school program for girls in grades 4 and 5 | |
Explorations in Geometry, an enrichment program for gifted 3rd through 6th grade students | |
Through Fri, Dec 27 | Explorations, family-friendly activities led by MoMath educators |
Mon, Dec 30 | MoMath Mini-Camp: Between the Dimensions, for 1st through 6th graders – Space is limited! |
Fri, Jan 3 | LumiCrux: Southern stars shine at MoMath with a giant group construction of a glowing constellation |
Sat, Jan 4 | Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA |
Tue, Jan 7 | Math Encounters: “Primes and Zeros: A Million-Dollar Mystery” with Brian Conrey |
Thu, Jan 9 | Exhibit Tangents, a deep dive into the math of MoMath’s exhibits |
Fri, Jan 10 | Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “Pentagonal Pursuit: Solving a Century-Old Tiling Problem” with Lauren Siegel |
Mon, Jan 13 | The Mathematics of Simple Things, with Paul Zeitz |
Tue, Jan 14 | Math Gym, a workout for your brain |
Sun, Jan 19 | Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens |
Sun, Jan 19 | Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school |
Thu, Jan 23 | Equilibrium, an evening of adult mathematical games |
Thu, Jan 23 | Sneak preview of Venn Pirouettes, the Art of Michael Schultheis – free preview and opportunity to meet the artist |
Sat, Jan 25 | Opening of Venn Pirouettes, the Art of Michael Schultheis – free with Museum admission |
Sat, Jan 25 | Student workshops with artist Michael Schultheis |
Sat, Jan 25 | Meet the Artist: Michael Schultheis greets visitors in the Composite gallery |
Tue, Jan 28 | Statistics for Citizens – how statistics are used – and misused – in a series of three standalone sessions |
Thu, Jan 30 | How vs. Why, demystifying proofs with Paul Zeitz |
Sun, Feb 2 | Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA |
Tue, Feb 4 | Statistics for Citizens – how statistics are used – and misused – in a series of three standalone sessions |
Wed, Feb 5 | Math Encounters: “Dice, Stamps, and Counting: Putting Polynomials to Work” with Brian Hopkins |
Sun, Feb 9 | Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens |
Sun, Feb 9 | Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school |
Tue, Feb 11 | Math Gym, a workout for your brain |
Tue, Feb 11 | Statistics for Citizens – how statistics are used – and misused – in a series of three standalone sessions |
Thu, Feb 13 | Equilibrium, an evening of adult mathematical games |
Fri, Feb 14 | Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “The Game of Nim” with Gregory Michel |
Tue, Feb 25 | 2020 MoMath Masters, the annual adult math tournament and charitable benefit |
Wed, Mar 4 | Math Encounters: “Come Sail Away: Math for the Cruise Director” with Penny Haxell |
Thu, March 5 | Minds on Math, with MacArthur Fellowship recipient Josh Tenenbaum |
Sat, Mar 7 | Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA |
Sun, Mar 8 | Solution Set, a daylong puzzle-solving workshop with Peter Winkler |
Tue, Mar 10 | Math Gym, a workout for your brain |
Thu, Mar 12 | Equilibrium, an evening of adult mathematical games |
Fri, Mar 13 | Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “The Power of Pi” |
Sat, Mar 14 | Pi Day 2020 – daytime and evening pi-themed events! |
Sun, Mar 15 | Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school |
School days | Bring MoMath to your school with the Extensions program! |
Weekday afternoons | Summations: classroom sessions and guided exploration of MoMath for homeschool students |
Weekends | MoMath’s Derivatives tour program and Explorations educator-led sessions, available upon request |
NEW in 2020 | Combination field trip tickets for MoMath and SPYSCAPE |
Tue, Sep 8 through Fri, Sep 11 | Meet Me in Paris: MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2020 – Mark your calendars now for the biennial MATRIX conference, this year with partners IMAGINARY and Institut Henri Poincaré! |
Recent press recognition:
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
Closing soon! Visit by Sunday, January 5
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.
Venn Pirouettes, the Art of Michael Schultheis
Composite, the gallery at MoMath
Preview event Thursday, January 23
Opens to the public Saturday, January 25
Michael Schultheis paints and sculpts using math equations as models for stories about human relationships: limaçon curves that have interior and exterior loops are used to represent a person’s interior and exterior, while Venn diagrams demonstrate the way in which humans overlap in their relationships with one another. His work explores the many intersections between mathematics and art. MoMath is delighted to announce that Michael will be in town for the opening of the exhibition and to discuss his work in a series of events held in Composite, the gallery at MoMath.
- Preview of Venn Pirouettes, the Art of Michael Schultheis – Thursday, January 23, at 6:00 pm
- Student workshops with Michael (ages 8 and up) – Saturday, January 25, at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
- Meet the Artist: Michael Schultheis – Saturday, January 25, at 3:00 pm
Learn more and register at venn.momath.org.
Expansions: An engaging program for gifted math students
Afternoons – fall 2019 semester runs through the end of January; spring 2020 semester runs February – May
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 semester and the spring 2020 semester.
Expansions has expanded to include grades 9-12, with sessions 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 to apply for the Icosahedron program.
MathPlay, MoMath’s program for preschoolers
January through March
3-year-olds: Thursdays
4- and 5-year-olds: Tuesdays or Thursdays
Led by an experienced preschool specialist, the Museum’s newest program for preschoolers 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.
Absolute Value
Thursdays at 4:00 pm, January 9 through February 13
Girls in 4th and 5th grade, come explore MoMath and investigate exciting math topics with a group of other talented young women. Each session in this fun and challenging six-week after-school program combines 45 minutes of guided exploration of the Museum with a 45-minute hands-on workshop. Learn the concepts behind MoMath’s custom-built, interactive exhibits, then explore fascinating math topics not included in the standard K-12 curriculum. Space is limited; learn more and apply at absolute.momath.org.
Explorations in Geometry, an enrichment program for gifted 3rd through 6th graders
Sundays at 2:45 pm, March 1 through April 5
Does your child have a keen interest in geometric exploration? Gifted and motivated students in 3rd through 6th grade are invited to participate in an exclusive, hands-on exploration of geometric ideas with visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz. Explore three-dimensional geometry with Zometools and two-dimensional geometry through classic compass-and-straightedge constructions. This will be a fun and challenging experience, aimed specifically at bright students who are not being challenged in their everyday school experience. Space is extremely limited; apply soon! Learn more and apply at geometry.momath.org.
Extensions: bring MoMath to your school!
School days throughout the 2019-2020 academic year
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.
Weekday afternoons
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. Classroom educator sessions are also available. Learn more and arrange a visit at summations.momath.org.
NEW in 2020: Special combination field trip tickets for MoMath and SPYSCAPE
This spring, MoMath is partnering with SPYSCAPE, the museum of spycraft, to bring your class a limited-time opportunity to visit both museums for a discounted rate. Excite your students with the intrigue of cryptography at MoMath, then learn about some real-life stories while solving logic puzzles and other challenges at SPYSCAPE. Plus, receive FREE access to the special James Bond exhibition at SPYSCAPE when you purchase combo tickets. For more information, visit spyscape.momath.org.
Retail Pick of the Month: Lost Cities: The Original Card Game
Two explorers embark on research journeys to remote corners of the world: the Himalayan mountains, the Central American rainforest, the Egyptian desert, a mysterious volcano, and the bottom of the sea. As cards are played, the expedition routes take shape, with the daring adventurers betting on successful expeditions to win. The rules of the game are simple, but beware: The lost cities hold many unseen mysteries!
Explorations
Through Friday, December 27
Don’t miss the chance to join one of MoMath’s specially trained educators in Explorations, a hands-on session exploring intriguing math topics. Morning and afternoon slots, offering family-friendly activities for kids (K-12) and adults, are available throughout the week. Learn more and request a session at explorations.momath.org.
MoMath Mini-Camp: Between the Dimensions, for 1st through 6th 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 1st through 3rd graders, and Deltas for 4th through 6th 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. Limited spots remain; learn more and register at minicamp.momath.org.
LumiCrux: Southern stars shine at MoMath
Friday, January 3, 6:30 pm
MoMath favorite Melissa Silk returns from Down Under to host LumiCrux, a special event in which the audience transforms itself into a representation of the constellation Crux, better known as the Southern Cross. Using mathematics and folding, we will create beautiful photoluminescent forms — paper stars that glow. The handheld stars will finally rest in a choreographed location representing the asterism Crux, which has guided people for thousands of years as they traverse the vast land mass of Australia. Melissa will guide you through a magical math-making experience to share your own bright, smart, clever shininess! This is a stellar, people-led contribution to MoMath from STEAMpop in Sydney, Australia. Learn more and register at lumicrux.momath.org.
Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Saturday, January 4, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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. If you’ve attended before, come again — each session is different! Learn more and register at most.momath.org.
Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Tuesday, January 14, 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.
Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
Sunday, January 19, 5:30 pm
He’s a brilliant math professor with a peculiar problem — ever since a traumatic head injury, he has lived with only eighty minutes of short-term memory. She’s an astute young housekeeper, with a ten-year-old son, who is hired to care for him. And every morning, as the Professor and the Housekeeper are introduced to each other anew, a strange and beautiful relationship blossoms between them. Though he cannot hold memories for long, the Professor’s mind is still alive with elegant equations from the past. The Housekeeper and the Professor is an enchanting story about what it means to live in the present, and about the curious equations that can create a family. Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, January 19, 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.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Thursday, January 23, 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.
Statistics for Citizens — a series of three standalone sessions
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30 pm (other standalone sessions offered on February 4 and February 11)
As the presidential elections get closer, it becomes more and more important for well-informed citizens to understand how statistics are used — and especially, how they are misused. If you’ve ever wondered what “margin of error” really means, this minicourse, led by visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz, is for you. We’ll start with the basics — no prior math knowledge is assumed — and by the end, you’ll have a very good sense of how to use mathematical ideas to face the inevitable uncertainty about the future with confidence. Come for one session of this minicourse, or sign up for all three. Learn more and register at citizens.momath.org.
How vs. Why
Thursday, January 30, 6:30 pm
What does it mean to grasp a mathematical truth? Simply understanding a proof is not enough — you want to comprehend why things are true. Join visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz in an exploration of examples from number theory, algebra, and geometry that will allow you to understand a variety of classic mathematical assertions in an intuitive, visceral, inevitable way. It will change the way you think about what you think you know! Learn more and register at questions.momath.org.
Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Sunday, February 2, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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.
Statistics for Citizens — a series of three standalone sessions
Tuesday, February 4, 6:30 pm (other standalone sessions offered on January 28 and February 11)
As the presidential elections get closer, it becomes more and more important for well-informed citizens to understand how statistics are used — and especially, how they are misused. If you’ve ever wondered what “margin of error” really means, this minicourse, led by visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz, is for you. We’ll start with the basics — no prior math knowledge is assumed — and by the end, you’ll have a very good sense of how to use mathematical ideas to face the inevitable uncertainty about the future with confidence. Come for one session of this minicourse, or sign up for all three. Learn more and register at citizens.momath.org.
Math Encounters: “Dice, Stamps, and Counting: Putting Polynomials to Work” with Brian Hopkins
Wednesday, February 5, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Come on, lucky 7! Is it possible to label two dice differently and still get the same results as normal dice? And if you have only four-cent and seven-cent stamps, what different totals can you make? How can polynomials help with these kinds of questions? Join mathematician Brian Hopkins as we explore generating functions (a way to count using polynomials) to solve these problems and more. Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.
Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Prime Suspects: The Anatomy of Integers and Permutations by Andrew Granville and Jennifer Granville
Sunday, February 9, 5:30 pm
Experience mathematics like never before with this unique graphic novel. When the Mathematical Sciences Investigation team autopsies Arnie Integer and Daisy Permutation, the victims of two seemingly unrelated homicides, they discover extraordinary and unexpected similarities. Travel with Detective von Neumann as he leaves no stone unturned, then share the excitement of Emmy Germain as she blazes a trail for women in mathematical research and learns from Professor Gauss, the greatest forensic detective of them all. Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, February 9, 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.
Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Tuesday, February 11, 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.
Statistics for Citizens — a series of three standalone sessions
Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 pm (other standalone sessions offered on January 28 and February 4)
As the presidential elections get closer, it becomes more and more important for well-informed citizens to understand how statistics are used — and especially, how they are misused. If you’ve ever wondered what “margin of error” really means, this minicourse, led by visiting mathematician Paul Zeitz, is for you. We’ll start with the basics — no prior math knowledge is assumed — and by the end, you’ll have a very good sense of how to use mathematical ideas to face the inevitable uncertainty about the future with confidence. Come for one session of this minicourse, or sign up for all three. Learn more and register at citizens.momath.org.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Thursday, February 13, 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.
Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “The Game of Nim” with Gregory Michel
Friday, February 14, 6:30 pm
Come learn one of the oldest games in the world! Nim is a simple, turn-based game, and math can help you unlock the secret to winning. Learn the rules of Nim, play with a friend, and then, if you’re feeling bold, challenge mathematician and Nim expert Gregory Michel. After playing some games, we’ll explore binary numbers and see how they can be used to win at Nim every single time you play! Thanks to the generous support of Two Sigma, this program is free to attendees. Register at familyfridays.momath.org.
2020 MoMath Masters, the annual adult math tournament and charitable benefit
Tuesday, February 25, 6:00 pm
Join MoMath for another edition of the one-of-a-kind MoMath Masters, the exciting annual competition and fundraiser. Put your thinking caps on for this fun-filled night, from the entertaining cocktail round right through to the challenging and suspenseful finals. Participate or just come to watch; a good time is had by all. Register today with your tax-deductible donation and show your support for MoMath at masters.momath.org.
Math Encounters: “Come Sail Away: Math for the Cruise Director” with Penny Haxell
Wednesday, March 4, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
A cruise director is responsible for arranging all social events on a ship. How can the passengers be split into harmonious groups for dinner seatings and excursions? What’s a good way to assign partners for an evening of tango lessons? Come help the cruise director use graph theory to make arrangements such as these — you might even become part of a human computer! Special introduction by Peter Winkler, MoMath’s Distinguished Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics. Learn more and register at mathencounters.org.
Minds on Math, with Josh Tenenbaum
Thursday, March 5, 6:30 pm
MoMath is pleased to announce that 2020 MacArthur Fellowship recipient Josh Tenenbaum will be the next speaker in the Minds on Math series. A professor in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences department at MIT, Josh uses computational modeling to understand human cognition and human cognitive development. Minds on Math is jointly sponsored by the Lab for the Developing Mind at NYU and the National Museum of Mathematics. This event is free with registration; learn more and register at mathminds.momath.org.
Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA
Saturday, March 7, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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.
Solution Set
Sunday, March 8, 10:00 am
Do you love puzzles and enjoy thinking outside the box? Or when someone poses a puzzle, is your first instinct to run? Either way, join us for a day spent challenging your mind at a daylong workshop presented by Peter Winkler, MoMath’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics. This course will cover highlights from Peter’s popular six-session puzzle-solving minicourse, presented last fall. A light lunch is included. Learn more and register at puzzleday.momath.org.
Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Tuesday, March 10, 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.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Thursday, March 12, 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.
Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: “The Power of Pi”
Friday, March 13, 6:30 pm
Family Friday is Family Pi-day this month! Many of us know pi as a funny number that goes on and on but never repeats…and that it starts with 3.14…but what does pi actually mean? What does this famous number represent, and why does it show up in so many places? And how do we know that it’s really bigger than three and smaller than four? In this special version of Family Fridays, get ready for a hands-on exploration of the meaning of pi! Thanks to the generous support of Two Sigma, this program is free to attendees. Register at familyfridays.momath.org.
Pi Day 2020
Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Don’t miss MoMath’s exciting celebration of Pi Day this year…visit during the day and enjoy some pi-themed events, including Rhythmic Rotations, MoMath’s signature giant hula-hooping contest in honor of pi. Then join us for a special Pi Night celebration featuring all sorts of pi…play with some new pi-themed manipulatives, try out the new “Pi Detector,” enjoy pi-themed refreshments, and even participate in a giant group demonstration of the meaning of pi! MoMath’s Pi Day 2020 events coincide with the first-ever UNESCO International Day of Mathematics — join the worldwide celebration! Learn more and register at piday2020.momath.org.
Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: The Absolute Value of Mike by Kathryn Erskine
Sunday, March 15, 5:30 pm
Mike tries hard to please his father, but the only language his dad seems to speak is calculus. And for a boy with a math learning disability, nothing could be more difficult. His dad sends him to rural Pennsylvania for the summer to work on an engineering project, but instead, he finds himself part of a town-wide project to adopt a boy from Romania while working alongside his wacky eighty-something-year-old aunt, a homeless man, and a punk-rock girl. Mike might not learn anything about engineering, but what he does learn is far more valuable. 1 teenage boy + 1 crazy town + 3 weeks – $40,000… you do the math! Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, March 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.
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 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.
Perspectives: The MoMath Summer College Volunteer Program
Each summer, MoMath offers Perspectives, a volunteer program for college undergraduates. Students who complete Perspectives gain a strong level of knowledge and experience in what it takes to operate a successful business, as well as exposure to a variety of interesting programs, lectures, and people. The expected commitment is five days per week for eight to twelve weeks, and it typically includes assignments on the floor of the Museum, in the retail shop, and in MoMath’s administrative office. Perspectives is an unpaid volunteer program. MoMath is currently accepting applications and will be admitting candidates on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply at volunteers.momath.org.
Integrators: The MoMath High School Volunteer Program
MoMath accepts a limited number of high school students for ongoing volunteer roles during summer vacation and/or the academic year. 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. Students who participate during summer vacation commit five days per week. During the school year, this opportunity requires a commitment of approximately one day per week, typically a Saturday or Sunday, from September through June. Apply now for summer 2020, or the 2020-2021 school year, or both! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 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 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 at 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
Like MoMath? Let the world know! Share your comments on:
- Twitter: @MoMath1
- Instagram: @momath1
- YouTube
- TripAdvisor
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!