MoMath February – March 2021 Upcoming Events
Dear MoMath friends,
Opportunities to celebrate a love of math abound this winter at MoMath. For the little ones, Loving Math expands to a rollicking, four-week series for kindergartners through third graders. Tempted by tunes? Don’t miss Alex Kontorovich’s new eight-week mini-course, Noteworthy Math. For those smitten with structure, the four-session Jump-In Geometry series promises hands-on engagement with dimension, shape, and form. Educators can find ways to woo students at a puzzle-based professional development seminar or using a playful approach to logarithms; those passionate about pool can enjoy a delightful exploration of billiard trajectories; and of course, what better way to say “I love you” than with a folded-paper Valentine? Plus, for those who are crazy about competition, don’t miss the highlight of the month, the 2021 MoMath Masters Tournament, which promises to challenge, divert, and delight contestants and spectators alike. Come for the math problems, for the guest appearances by Garry Kasparov and Will Shortz, or just for the satisfaction of supporting MoMath’s mission to spread the love of math.
Due to the current health situation, the Museum is temporarily closed. Please enjoy the following programs and activities, all available online. Additionally, many of MoMath’s programs are being offered for free or at a reduced rate for those in need and for those with MoMath memberships — please visit individual event pages for more information.
| MoMath at a Glance | |
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Coming soon |
Registration for Transformations 2021, the summer camp at MoMath — sign up for email notifications! |
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Ongoing |
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| New! Senior Sessions, educator-led sessions for senior citizens | |
| New! Slice of Pi — a month-long social club including ongoing activities for tweens and teens who love math | |
| Global Perspective: Math, Art, and Architecture Around the World, a unique augmented reality experience (free public access) | |
| Alternative Perspective in Composite, the gallery at MoMath — a groundbreaking art show, available virtually (free online access) | |
| Field Trips: virtual visits to MoMath for students and educators | |
| Mind-Benders for the Quarantined!, weekly mathematical puzzles from MoMath’s puzzle master, Dr. Peter Winkler | |
| MoMath Online: Student Sessions, educator-led sessions for pre-K to 12 students exploring math from home | |
| MathPlay, the preschool program at MoMath | |
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Apply now |
Open Set 2021 — enter MoMath’s annual mathematical song competition; deadline February 22 |
| Expansions, the gifted program at MoMath for students in first grade through high school | |
| Steven H. Strogatz Prize for Math Communication — for students 15 to 18 years old | |
| The Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching: win $25k! The application window is now OPEN | |
| 2021 MoMathlon Middle School Math Tournament | |
| MOVES 2021, Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects — submit an abstract or activity for MoMath’s fifth biennial conference focusing on the math of puzzles | |
| Thu, Jan 21 | Meet a Mathematician featuring Lisa Piccirillo (free to members!) |
| Fri, Jan 22 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold intricate snowflakes without cutting |
| Fri, Jan 22 | Equilibrium, MoMath’s adult evening of mathematical games (free to members!) |
| Mon, Jan 25 | Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math, mini-course with Alex Kontorovich |
| Tue, Jan 26 | Senior Sessions: “Möbius Mischief” |
| Tue, Jan 26 | Loving Math, stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series |
| Tue, Jan 26 | QED: Homework Help… for Parents! |
| Thu, Jan 28 | Math Square Challenge — an information session to help you design your own program for this popular exhibit |
| Fri, Jan 29 | Senior Sessions: “Sensational Puzzles” |
| Fri, Jan 29 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold some hearts in preparation for Valentine’s Day |
| Mon, Feb 1 | Puzzle Plays: Using Games, Challenges, and Brain-Teasers in the Math Classroom for math educators (grades 6 to 12) |
| Mon, Feb 1 | Miyamoto and the Machine (a documentary about KenKen): film screening followed by panel discussion, including several people featured in the film |
| Tue, Feb 2 | Senior Sessions: “Math in the Corner Pocket” |
| Tue, Feb 2 | Loving Math, stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series |
| Tue, Feb 2 | Danger: Your kids might learn to code! with Alex Kontorovich |
| Wed, Feb 3 | Math Encounters: “Bouncing Billiards: The Symmetries and Mathematics in the Path of a Rolling Ball” with Diana Davis |
| Thu, Feb 4 | Ask a Mathematician — Anything! with Alex Kontorovich |
| Fri, Feb 5 | Senior Sessions: “Topological Tic-Tac-Toe” |
| Fri, Feb 5 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold a nifty, heart-shaped action model |
| Mon, Feb 8 | Senior Sessions: “Polyomino Puzzlers” |
| Mon, Feb 8 | Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math, mini-course with Alex Kontorovich |
| Tue, Feb 9 | Loving Math, stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series |
| Tue, Feb 9 | Log In! Exploring Logarithms through Experimentation and Play (free to members!) |
| Thu, Feb 11 | Senior Sessions: “Breaking Codes” |
| Thu, Feb 11 | Jump-in Geometry: “Beyond the Compass,” session one of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Fri, Feb 12 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold lips with an interesting folding sequence |
| Sat, Feb 13 | Krazy Kahoot, a fast-paced family quiz game with Steve Sherman |
| Tue, Feb 16 | Senior Sessions: “Chessboards and Dominoes” |
| Tue, Feb 16 | Loving Math, stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series |
| Tue, Feb 16 | QED: Homework Help… for Parents! |
| Wed, Feb 17 | Math Gym, a workout for your brain |
| Thu, Feb 18 | Meet a Mathematician featuring Richard Tapia |
| Thu, Feb 18 | Jump-in Geometry: “Dissections,” session two of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Tue, Feb 16 | Senior Sessions: “Exhibit Explorations: Pythagorean Puzzlers“ |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold an adorable teddy bear |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Family Fridays: “Mini Mathematical Universes,” featuring “Gord!” |
| Sun, Feb 21 | Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for teens and tweens: Riot at the Calc Exam and Other Mathematically Bent Stories by Colin Conrad Adams |
| Sun, Feb 21 | Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school |
| Mon, Feb 22 | Senior Sessions: “Exhibit Explorations: Math Square“ |
| Mon, Feb 22 | Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math, mini-course with Alex Kontorovich |
| Tues, Feb 23 | 2021 MoMath Masters Tournament with special guest appearances from chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, New York Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz, comedian Roy Wood Jr., magician Mark Mitton, and jazz saxophonist Marcus Miller |
| Wed, Feb 24 | Optical Illusion Art: Using math, perspective, and dimension to create mind-bending sculptures”with Anton Bakker |
| Thu, Feb 25 | Senior Sessions: “Dynamic Dice” |
| Thu, Feb 25 | Jump-in Geometry: “Rotations and Reflections,” session three of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Fri, Feb 26 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs: this week, fold an oh-so-cool spring-like model |
| Fri, Feb 26 | Equilibrium, MoMath’s adult evening of mathematical games (free to members!) |
| Mon, Mar 1 | Puzzles That Weren’t Used in Mind-Benders for the Quarantined — But Maybe Should Have Been! with Peter Winkler |
| Wed, Mar 3 | Math Encounters: “Beating COVID-19: How mathematics and game theory can help us understand the pandemic” with Chris Bauch |
| Thu, Mar 4 | Ask a Mathematician — Anything! with Alex Kontorovich |
| Thu, Mar 4 | Jump-in Geometry: ” Inversion,” session four of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Fri, Mar 5 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs |
| Fri, Mar 5 | Avian Arithmetic: The mathematics of bird flight with Peter Cavanagh |
| Mon, Mar 8 | Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math, mini-course with Alex Kontorovich |
| Wed, Mar 10 | Forensic Linguistics: Using inductive inference and linguistic pattern recognition to solve crimes with the FBI with Robert Leonard |
| Thu, Mar 11 | Cybersecurity and Disinformation with Camille François |
| Fri, Mar 12 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs |
| Sat, Mar 13 | Krazy Kahoot, a fast-paced family quiz game with Steve Sherman |
| Sun, Mar 14 | Pi Day 2021 — Morning, afternoon, or evening: join us for pi throughout the day! |
| Tue, Mar 16 | Hidden Messages with Jürgen Richter-Gebert |
| Wed, Mar 17 | Math Gym, a workout for your brain |
| Thu, Mar 18 | 2021 Con Edison MoMathlon middle school math tournament — online this year! |
| Thu, Mar 18 | Meet a Mathematician featuring Lillian Pierce |
| Thu, Mar 18 | Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… a blank sheet of graph paper”; session one of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Fri, Mar 19 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs |
| Fri, Mar 19 | Family Fridays: “More Magical Math” featuring Ben Sparks |
| Sun, Mar 21 | Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for teens and tweens: The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster |
| Sun, Mar 21 | Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school |
| Mon, Mar 22 | Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math, mini-course with Alex Kontorovich |
| Wed, Mar 24 | Open Set 2021: a night of musical performance |
| Thu, Mar 25 | Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… powers of two”; session two of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Fri, Mar 26 | Folding Fridays — learn to fold unique origami designs |
| Fri, Mar 26 | Equilibrium, MoMath’s adult evening of mathematical games |
| Mon, Mar 29 | Origami Surprise! (members only) — not a member? Join today! |
| Tue, Mar 30 | QED: Homework Help… for Parents! |
| Thu, Apr 1 | Ask a Mathematician — Anything! with Alex Kontorovich |
| Thu, Apr 1 | Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… triangular numbers”; session three of a four-part series with Paul Zeitz |
| Sat, Apr 3 | 2021 MoMath SET Tournament |
| Wed, Apr 7 | Math Encounters with Dana Randall — details coming soon |
| Aug 8 to 10, 2021 | MOVES 2021, Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects — MoMath’s fifth biennial conference |
MoMath in the news:
Check out these exciting articles referencing MoMath, including a New York Times Editor’s Pick mentioning the MoMath gala, Real and Rational (watch the video of the gala, featuring Eric Schmidt, Julie Gerberding, and Nate Silver, for FREE).
The Swiss Cheese Model of Pandemic Defense (New York Times)
Former NFL player Urschel sells virtue of math to youngsters (Associated Press)
Perplexing Perspectives: Conflicting viewpoints coexist at the crossroads of math and art (Scientific American Mind)
From NFL to MIT: John Urschel looking to increase diversity in mathematics (ESPN)
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 (New York Times)
Retail Pick-of-the-Month: Fluxx
The card game with ever-changing rules! It all begins with the basic rules: Draw one card, play one card. But as cards are drawn and played from the deck, the rules of the game — how many cards a player draws, plays, or can hold at the end of a turn — change. Can you achieve World Peace before someone changes the goal to Bread and Chocolate? Fluxx is available for online purchase from Additions, the shop at MoMath.
Support MoMath while shopping at Amazon!
MoMath invites you to shop at AmazonSmile and choose “National Museum of Mathematics” as your charity of choice. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your total purchase price to MoMath! Click here to support the nation’s only Museum of Mathematics as you shop!
Share the gift of math! Gift registrations for Student Sessions now available: mathgift.momath.org.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
NEW: Senior Sessions
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. For senior citizens / mature adults. Learn more and register at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Transformations 2021, the summer camp at MoMath — registration coming soon; sign up to be notified
June 28 through September 3
Thinking about Summer 2021 already? So is MoMath! At Transformations, the summer camp at MoMath, students in grades one through nine will experience the richness of mathematics in America’s only museum dedicated to math. Through full-body interactive activities, hands-on education sessions, and creative projects, math will come alive for each and every participant. This summer, Transformations 2021 offers ten online, one-week sessions from June 28 through September 3, featuring exciting themes, such as Fibonacci and Beyond!, Mathematical Marvels, Puzzle Me This, What Are the Chances?, and Infinities of Infinites. Learn more and register for updates about Transformations 2021 at summercamp.momath.org.
Slice of Pi — a monthly social club for tweens and teens who love math
Join fellow young math enthusiasts during lunch or snack time for fun chats about your favorite math topics, exhibit videos, and more, hosted by an experienced MoMath educator. A month-long membership in Slice of Pi includes access to MoMath’s Unlimited mixer and Tween Primes book club, weekly lunch meetings, plus other special programs. Make math friends from around the world who share your interest in puzzles, games, and problem solving in this unique meeting of the (young) minds. For more information and to register, visit sliceofpi.momath.org.
Global Perspective: Math, Art, and Architecture Around the World
Every Anton Bakker sculpture invites — and rewards — examination from multiple angles. Now, Bakker uses computer-based, custom technology to deploy his intriguing sculptures around the world. Each month throughout 2021, see Bakker’s sculptures — virtually — in cities all over the world, including New York, London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam, in a special, worldwide augmented reality exhibition that lets you literally put yourself in the picture along with some of the world’s most engaging art and architecture. Learn more — including how to bring this program to YOUR city — at globalperspective.momath.org. Premium members (Membership Plus or higher), bring these exciting virtual sculptures to your town or home for FREE!
Online tours and field trips to Composite, the gallery at MoMath — take a tour with artist Anton Bakker and explore the amazing Alternative Perspective exhibition
MoMath is thrilled to present a groundbreaking new art show in Composite, the gallery at MoMath — virtually! In Alternative Perspective, artist Anton Bakker takes us on a journey into a world of mathematical beauty with an added twist: a change in perspective seems to change the very reality of the object before you. Anton’s sculptures — executed in steel, bronze, or as digital interactives — fix points in space that, as the eye connects them, reveal harmonious alignments as three-dimensional paths. Lines, curves, knots, spirals, Möbius strips, optical illusions, and fractals — all are explored in this highly engaging virtual show. Bakker’s work is complemented by two special pieces: an unusual and surprising work by engineers-turned-artists Walt van Ballegooijen and Hans Kuiper and a creative mathematical sculpture by former Bell Labs scientist Alan White. Learn more about MoMath’s newest temporary exhibition at composite.momath.org. Book your field trip at fieldtrips.momath.org or your tour at composite.momath.org today!
Online Field Trips
Educators, bring your class together in our virtual classroom! Schools may be closed, but MoMath allows your group to connect for a shared mathematical adventure. Bring your students together with an experienced MoMath educator for an engaging online field trip session, fully accessible from home. For more information and to register your class, visit fieldtrips.momath.org. (Free trips are available for Title I schools; supply is limited, so apply today.)
Mind-Benders for the Quarantined!
Reaching more than 10,000 people in more than 80 countries, Mind-Benders for the Quarantined! is a runaway hit that has engaged people all over the world during an unprecedented global shutdown. Each Sunday, MoMath will send you a challenging mathematical puzzle from the collection of our own puzzle master, Dr. Peter Winkler. On Tuesday, you’ll receive a subtle hint; on Thursday, a serious push; on Saturday, the solution. And the next day, of course, a new puzzle. Learn more and register at mindbenders.momath.org.
Expansions: an afternoon enrichment program for gifted math students — applications accepted for limited spots
Now through May
Reinvent math class with Expansions, MoMath’s afternoon gifted program. Featuring programs for math-loving students enrolled in first through twelfth grades, the Expansions workshops are designed and delivered by MoMath’s educational team to illuminate the wonders of mathematics, challenge and inspire students, and broaden their mathematical horizons. With topics ranging from fractals to cellular automata, these afternoon classes provide an opportunity for participants to learn advanced and fascinating topics not included in the standard K to 12 curriculum. Plus, students can benefit from enjoying math together with small groups of talented and focused young scholars. MoMath is currently accepting applications for limited spots in the 2020-2021 school year, which is being conducted online. To learn more and apply, visit expansions.momath.org.
Steven H. Strogatz Prize for Math Communication — awarded to students 15 to 18 years old
Now accepting applications
Are you a high school student who wants to share your love of math with the world? Enter this worldwide contest! Cash prizes will be awarded for compelling math communication projects, and award-winning entries will be posted online. To learn more and apply, visit strogatzprize.momath.org.
The Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching
Application deadline: May 15, 2021
Designed to recognize and promote hands-on math teaching in upper elementary and middle school classrooms, the Rosenthal Prize carries a cash award of $25,000 for the single best activity, plus up to five additional monetary awards for other innovative activities. The winner will have the opportunity to share their innovative activities with educators around the world. The Rosenthal Prize is now open to math educators, mathematicians, and those who specialize in math outreach — apply before March 31 to receive a free MoMath t-shirt (while supplies last). The application period closes on May 15, 2021. To learn more and submit an entry, visit rosenthalprize.momath.org.
2021 Con Edison MoMathlon online middle school math tournament
Registration now open
Sponsored by Con Edison, the 2021 MoMathlon provides an enriching day of challenge and camaraderie for middle school students as they solve fun and inspiring math problems and experience the excitement of learning as a team. This year’s tournament will be held online on Thursday, March 18 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm ET (New York). Schools may register teams of five 7th and 8th grade students to participate. To learn more and apply, visit momathlon.momath.org.
MoMath Online: Student Sessions for grades pre-K through 12
Mondays through Fridays
Whether your child is already passionate about mathematics or just starting to explore its wonders, MoMath Online: Student Sessions will expose your child to cool areas of mathematics not covered in school and stoke the flames for a lifelong appreciation of mathematics. Drop-in classes guided by an experienced educator are available every weekday, and registration is always free for families in need. For more information and to register, visit studentsessions.momath.org.
Share the gift of math! Gift registrations for Student Sessions now available: mathgift.momath.org.
MathPlay, MoMath’s preschool program (with online classes)
Whether your toddler is just learning to count or your preschooler is gearing up for kindergarten, MathPlay will instill a love of mathematics in each child through educational games, catchy songs, and intriguing problem-solving challenges. Led by preschool specialists, MathPlay will broaden your child’s math abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and fine-tune motor coordination and social skills. For more information and to register, visit mathplay.momath.org.
Math tutoring
Is your child struggling in math? We can help! MoMath is offering limited private tutoring for grades K–12 with certified teachers who have extensive experience successfully teaching students online and in the classroom. Whether your child needs assistance with homework or exam preparation, MoMath’s instructors are ready to help. For more information, please email tutoring@momath.org.
Birthday parties — now with an origami option!
Looking to host a one-of-a-kind online birthday party full of fabulous folding fun? You and your guests can explore the wondrous art of paper folding with an origami expert! With your choice of customized activities, parties can be personalized for all ages of birthday boys and girls — from children through adults, from simple to complicated paper art. Other exciting online birthday options are also available. For more information, please email birthdays@momath.org.
JOIN THE TEAM!
Are you passionate about spreading a love of mathematics? Contact us — we’d love to welcome you to the team! Send the following to jobs@momath.org: a cover letter, your résumé with GPA, and a 150- to 500-word statement describing your views on mathematics or a life experience you’ve had related to mathematics.
Digital Assistant
MoMath is seeking a digital assistant whose technical skills and drive for perfection will motivate them to ensure high-quality, user-friendly content. The successful individual will coordinate a busy schedule of electronic communications in support of MoMath’s communications team.
Early Childhood Educator
MoMath is seeking creative, energetic individuals to join its staff as early childhood educators. Early childhood educators deliver MoMath’s weekly program, providing lessons to students 2-5 years old. This educator role offers the opportunity for a teacher with strong formal pre-K to K classroom teaching experience to participate in one of America’s major efforts in mathematical outreach to students, teachers, and the public.
For details and to explore all of MoMath’s exciting job and volunteer opportunities, visit jobs.momath.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Meet a Mathematician, featuring Lisa Piccirillo (free to members!)
Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Join host Alex Kontorovich as we bring diverse and talented guests to the MoMath stage to share their experiences, their stories, and their love of mathematics. In January, meet Professor Lisa Piccirillo, an assistant professor at MIT who recently solved a problem in knot theory first proposed more than fifty years ago! Learn more and register at meetmath.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, January 22 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold intricate snowflakes without cutting. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games (free to members!)
Friday, January 22 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
What’s in the cards? Find out at this night of open-ended gaming — all you need to join the fun is a deck of standard playing cards. Challenge your skills with probability, strategy, and deductive logic; games may include 500, Euchre, Hearts, Literature, or perhaps even our own custom creation! Prepare a snack, log on from home, and connect with new and interesting people, all while enjoying uniquely mathematical games, hosted by the nation’s only Museum of Math. Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.
Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math
Monday, January 25 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, in an exciting eight-week mini-course delving into the surprising connections between math and music — plus featuring occasional live performances! Don’t miss the opening session, which will include an overview of the broad relationship between math and music. Learn more and register at noteworthy.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Möbius Mischief”
Tuesday, January 26 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for a new series of intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. In this session, participants construct fascinating topological objects such as Möbius bands, discovering their fundamental patterns and structures. Hands-on activities lead participants to discover the surprising properties hidden in these surfaces! Learn more and register at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Loving Math — stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series
Tuesday, January 26 (session one)
Grades K-1: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm ET (New York)
Grades 2-3: 4:00 pm to 4:40 pm ET (New York)
Join master storyteller Steve Sherman for an exciting session designed for kindergartners through third graders. If your child loves stories, games, and laughter, don’t miss this wild and wacky event! Learn more and register at loving.momath.org.
QED: Homework Help… for Parents!
Tuesday, January 26 at 8:00 pm ET (New York)
In today’s environment, parents are more important than ever in the education of their children. But what happens when your child’s homework doesn’t look like anything you remember? How can you help your child when you’re not sure yourself how to solve a problem? Join MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, as he provides homework help for parents. Bring your questions to this open forum: we’re here to help! Learn more and register at qed.momath.org.
Math Square Challenge — an information session to help you design your own program for this popular exhibit
Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
MoMath is opening the API (application programming interface) for its popular interactive exhibit, Math Square, and we’re inviting you to create exciting new interactive experiences for it. If your submission is exceptionally engaging and mathematically relevant, your creation could end up live in the Museum when MoMath re-opens its physical doors again, ready to fascinate its next million visitors. If you have a basic knowledge of JavaScript — or a willingness to learn — you should be able to use the examples and simulation software provided to bring your ideas to life. Everything you need will be downloadable online, but if you’d like a little extra guidance in getting started, join this optional live introductory session on January 28 for a short explanation regarding how to set up and use the relevant tools. Learn more and register at masqchallenge.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Sensational Puzzles”
Friday, January 29 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for a new series of intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. In this session, explore mathematical puzzles that grabbed the headlines! Learn to solve spectacular and controversial puzzles using logic, probability, and basic graph theory. Develop puzzle-solving strategies while diving into these news-making mathematical conundrums. Learn more and register at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, January 29 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold some hearts in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Puzzle Plays: Using Games, Challenges, and Brain-Teasers in the Math Classroom
Monday, February 1 at 9:30 am ET (New York)
Educators, mark your calendars now for a day of professional development, MoMath style! Learn how puzzles, an inherently human and enjoyable activity, can be used to bolster math learning in your classroom. Plus, don’t miss a special session presented by Aaron Kaswell, the math teacher featured in the recent documentary about KenKen, Miyamoto and the Machine. This workshop is geared toward middle and high school (grades 6 to 12) math educators who would like to strengthen their understanding of and interest in mathematics. All participants are invited, at no additional charge, to attend a special screening of the full length (40-minute) documentary and the panel discussion that follows this full-day workshop (see below). Learn more and register at pd2021.momath.org.
Miyamoto and the Machine (a documentary about KenKen): film screening and panel discussion
Monday, February 1 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
When does a KenKen puzzle unfold as a story? When it was handcrafted by KenKen’s inventor, Japanese elementary-school math teacher Tetsuya Miyamoto! The new documentary Miyamoto and the Machine recounts KenKen’s creation story and explores how the puzzles produced for mass consumption — by a piece of software called the Kenerator — differ from those Miyamoto constructs. An exclusive screening of the full-length (40-minute) version of the film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Robert Fuhrer, President of KENKEN Puzzles LLC; math teacher and KenKen enthusiast Aaron Kaswell, who is featured in the film; Noriko Yoshimura, former international editor for the original publishers of KenKen in Japan and NY project manager for KenKen worldwide; and Ellie Grueskin, the 2017 KenKen International Student Champion. Learn more and register at miyamoto.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Math in the Corner Pocket”
Tuesday, February 2 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Loving Math — stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series
Tuesday, February 2 (session two)
Grades K-1: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm ET (New York)
Grades 2-3: 4:00 pm to 4:40 pm ET (New York)
Join master storyteller Steve Sherman for an exciting session designed for kindergartners through third graders. If your child loves stories, games, and laughter, don’t miss this wild and wacky event! Learn more and register at loving.momath.org.
Danger: Your kids might learn to code!
Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
Make a video game on the fly as you learn some basic principles of coding. Led by Distinguished Visiting Professor Alex Kontorovich, this introduction to the Scratch programming language will be a fun, collaborative experience — join us to explore how you can use simple programming concepts to design something new! Learn more and register at danger.momath.org.
Math Encounters: “Bouncing Billiards: The Symmetries and Mathematics in the Path of a Rolling Ball” with Diana Davis
Wednesday, February 3 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm ET (New York)
If you hit a ball on a pool table, it will bounce around for a while — it might even return to where it started and repeat its path. It turns out that these periodic trajectories are very beautiful, forming a unique kind of mathematical art. Join Dr. Diana Davis, Phillips Exeter Academy Instructor in Mathematics, as she shares an amazing array of images, discusses how she and her colleagues figured out how to draw these intricate paths, and reveals some surprising properties — buddies, families, and symmetry — that they discovered along the way. Special introduction by Amie Wilkinson, Professor of Mathematics, University of Chicago. Learn more and register for free at mathencounters.org.
Ask a Mathematician — Anything!
Thursday, February 4 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Ever wanted to ask a mathematician something, maybe about a curious new idea you have, or a concept you’d like to understand better? Don’t know whom to ask? Here’s your chance! MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, Alex Kontorovich, will host this one-hour online session. Learn more and register at askmath.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Topological Tic-Tac-Toe”
Friday, February 5 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, February 5 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold a nifty heart-shaped action model. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Polyomino Puzzlers”
Monday, February 8 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math
Monday, February 8 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, in an exciting eight-week mini-course delving into the surprising connections between math and music — and featuring occasional live performances. At this second session, Alex welcomes an audiologist to discuss the math of hearing, which is instrumental to the enjoyment of music. Learn more and register at noteworthy.momath.org.
Loving Math — stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series
Tuesday, February 9 (session three)
Grades K-1: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm ET (New York)
Grades 2-3: 4:00 pm to 4:40 pm ET (New York)
Join master storyteller Steve Sherman for an exciting session designed for kindergartners through third graders. If your child loves stories, games, and laughter, don’t miss this wild and wacky event! Learn more and register at loving.momath.org.
Log In! Exploring Logarithms through Experimentation and Play (free to members!)
Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Don’t miss the exciting introduction of a new model that brings the properties of logarithms to life. This ingenious new manipulative not only displays the basic properties of logarithms, but also allows for self-discovery of these principles through exploration and play. If you’re a curious student, a parent keen to enrich your child’s experience, a teacher looking for an innovative classroom activity, or just someone who never fully understood or felt comfortable with LOGs, then this workshop is for you! Learn more and register at log.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Breaking Codes”
Thursday, February 11 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Jump-in Geometry: “Beyond the Compass”
Thursday, February 11 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join Professor Paul Zeitz in this four-part series that focuses on hands-on concepts in geometry. Armed with pencils, rulers, and scissors, we will embark on a physical and dynamic exploration of size, shape, dimension, and more. Bring geometry from the realm of the abstract into the real world in this tangible learning adventure. In this first session, learn how to build, or at least contemplate, several different geometric “machines” that expand or contract space, turn lines into circles, and more. Some machines can be built with everyday materials; others require a robust imagination. Learn more and register at jumpin.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, February 12 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold lips with an interesting folding sequence. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Krazy Kahoot with Steve Sherman
Saturday, February 13 at 2:00 pm ET (New York) — at a new time to accommodate participants in different time zones
Join MoMath’s favorite math quizmaster Steve Sherman for a family fun-filled game bursting with a wide range of entertaining questions for all ages. Is your family up for this lively challenge?! Learn more and register at krazy.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Chessboards and Dominoes”
Tuesday, February 16 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org.
Loving Math — stories, games, and laughter in a hilariously fun children’s hour, now in a four-week series
Tuesday, February 16 (session four)
Grades K-1: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm ET (New York)
Grades 2-3: 4:00 pm to 4:40 pm ET (New York)
Join master storyteller Steve Sherman for an exciting session designed for kindergartners through third graders. If your child loves stories, games, and laughter, don’t miss this wild and wacky event! Learn more and register at loving.momath.org.
QED: Homework Help… for Parents!
Tuesday, February 16 at 8:00 pm ET (New York)
In today’s environment, parents are more important than ever in the education of their children. But what happens when your child’s homework doesn’t look like anything you remember? How can you help your child when you’re not sure yourself how to solve a problem? Join MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, as he provides homework help for parents. Bring your questions to this open forum: we’re here to help! Learn more and register at qed.momath.org.
Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Wednesday, February 17 at 3:30 pm ET (New York)
Students in 4th grade and above are invited to spend an hour online with MoMath mathematicians, 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. These very limited spots fill quickly, so sign up soon! Learn more and register for free at workout.momath.org.
Meet a Mathematician, featuring Richard Tapia
Thursday, February 18 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Join host Alex Kontorovich as we bring diverse and talented guests to the MoMath stage to share their experiences, their stories, and their love of mathematics. In February, meet Professor Richard Tapia, the Maxfield and Oshman Professor of Engineering and Mathematics at Rice University; his research spans a wide variety of areas in optimization and numerical analysis. Learn more and register at meetmath.momath.org.
Jump-in Geometry: “Dissections”
Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join Professor Paul Zeitz in this four-part series that focuses on hands-on concepts in geometry. Armed with pencils, rulers, and scissors, we will embark on a physical and dynamic exploration of size, shape, dimension, and more. Bring geometry from the realm of the abstract into the real world in this tangible learning adventure. Can you turn a square into a triangle with finitely many straight-line cuts? Can you prove the Pythagorean theorem with scissors? Explore the alchemy of dissections, and learn a little bit about what it means to “do math.” Learn more and register at jumpin.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Exhibit Explorations: Pythagorean Puzzlers“
Friday, February 19 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org
Folding Fridays
Friday, February 19 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold an adorable teddy bear. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Family Fridays: “Mini Mathematical Universes”
Friday, February 19 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Our universe is messy: its laws are difficult to figure out, its size is intimidating, and it’s a hard place to try to learn the scientific method. Mini Mathematical Universes to the rescue! Poke them with a stick — they reveal precise results. Poke again and learn something more. Poke around enough, and you just might start figuring things out. Test your ideas, make predictions…the audience is one giant team, trying together to figure out the laws governing these special spaces. Created by Gord! (Gordon Hamilton) and inspired by the inductive games Eleusis (Robert Abbott) and Patterns II (Sid Sackson), these Mini Mathematical Universes will provide an intriguing and engaging way to spend your evening! Learn more and register at familyfridays.momath.org.
Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: Riot at the Calc Exam and Other Mathematically Bent Stories by Colin Conrad Adams
Sunday, February 21 at 5:30 pm ET (New York)
What’s so funny about math? Lots! Especially if you’re mathematically bent. In the world of Colin Adams, differential equations induce tears of laughter, Hollywood producers hire algebraic geometers to punch up a script, and math and humor are synonymous. A collection of humorous math stories, this book gives a window into mathematics and the culture of mathematicians. Join Tween Primes to discuss the book and take a romp through the wild world of mathematics. Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, February 21 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Middle and high school students, come spend an hour or more with your peers, enjoying interesting mathematical activities, interactive social games, and great music, all led by an experienced MoMath educator. Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Exhibit Explorations: Math Square“
Monday, February 22 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org
Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math
Monday, February 22 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, in an exciting eight-week mini-course delving into the surprising connections between math and music — and featuring occasional live performances. Learn more and register at noteworthy.momath.org.
2021 MoMath Masters Tournament
Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 pm ET (New York)
Now online and open to participants from around the world!
Join MoMath for another edition of the one-of-a-kind MoMath Masters, the exciting annual adult competition and fundraiser. Put on your thinking caps 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. Special guest appearances from chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov and New York Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz. Cocktail hour appearances by The Daily Show comedian Roy Wood Jr., magician-to-the-stars Mark Mitton, and jazz saxophonist Marcus Miller. Learn more and register at masters.momath.org.
Optical Illusion Art: Using math, perspective, and dimension to create mind-bending sculptures
Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join artist Anton Bakker and a team of experts in this exploration at the intersection of math, perception, and art. Starting with the two-dimensional work of M.C. Escher and moving into the world of three-dimensional sculpture, Anton, the creator of MoMath’s popular Alternative Perspective show, leads us on a journey into the world of optical illusion. Joined by mathematicians Doris Schattschneider and Tom Verhoeff and neuroscientists Stephen L. Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde (who together created the Best Illusion of the Year Contest), Anton demonstrates how sculpture can be not just an aesthetic pursuit but also a medium in which to demonstrate how a limited, singular perspective can present a view of “reality” that completely fools the mind. Learn more and register at illusions.momath.org.
Senior Sessions: “Dynamic Dice”
Thursday, February 25 at 2:00 pm ET (New York)
Senior citizens, exercise your mental muscles in 45-minute math sessions! Join MoMath’s experienced presenters for intriguing classes on a variety of stimulating topics, including topology, puzzles, and cryptography. Enjoy the discovery and challenges in these engaging, interactive activities with a collegial cohort of mature minds. Details and registration for this class coming soon. Learn more at seniorsessions.momath.org
Jump-in Geometry: “Rotations and Reflections”
Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join Professor Paul Zeitz in this four-part series that focuses on hands-on concepts in geometry. Armed with pencils, rulers, and scissors, we will embark on a physical and dynamic exploration of size, shape, dimension, and more. Bring geometry from the realm of the abstract into the real world in this tangible learning adventure. Why do mirrors reverse left-right, but not up-down? Which is more symmetrical, a cube or a tetrahedron? Learn more and register at jumpin.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, February 26 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. This week, fold an oh-so-cool spring-like model that can be endlessly lengthened. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games (free to members!)
Friday, February 26 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
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. Enjoy classics like SET and Connect Four, modern options from Ubongo to Skiwampus to Ricochet Robots, and even MoMath’s own twist on mathematical favorites like Hex and Nim. Prepare a snack, log on from home, and connect with new and interesting people, all while enjoying uniquely mathematical games, hosted by the nation’s only Museum of Math. Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.
Puzzles That Weren’t Used in Mind-Benders for the Quarantined — But Maybe Should Have Been!
Monday, March 1 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Why would we not use a puzzle? Perhaps we thought it was too hard, or too easy. Or hard to state, or to solve, in print. Or too controversial. Or not “mathematical” enough. But some subscribers especially like easy puzzles, others hard ones, and many subscribers have proved that they love to argue. So let’s talk about some of these rejected puzzles, and while we’re at it, puzzle suggestions from subscribers are always welcome! Peter Winkler’s new puzzle book is now available to pre-order from Additions, the shop at MoMath! Purchase your book before the event, attend the event, and receive a bookplate to affix inside, personally signed (including a message of your choice) by the puzzle master himself. Learn more and register at vetoed.momath.org.
MOVES 2021: “The Fascination of Puzzles” submission deadline
Monday, March 1, 2021
The fifth biennial MOVES (Mathematics of Various Entertaining Subjects) Conference, hosted by MoMath on August 8-10, 2021 and sponsored by Two Sigma, will feature an amazing lineup of keynote speakers, including Scott Kim, Maki Kaji, Tanya Khovanova, Oskar van Deventer, and Peter Winkler. While current plans aim for an in-person conference at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, contingency plans also cover a virtual version of the conference. The conference is currently accepting abstract submissions for research talks and family activities from all areas of recreational mathematics, with submissions in the area of puzzles particularly encouraged. To find out more about MOVES, register for the meeting, or submit a talk or activity, please visit moves.momath.org.
Math Encounters: “Beating COVID-19: How mathematics and game theory can help us understand the pandemic” with Chris Bauch
Wednesday, March 3 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm ET (New York)
Mathematical modeling has come to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, but how do these models work? Join Dr. Chris Bauch, Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, as he sketches the mathematics behind “flattening the curve” and herd immunity. Learn why flattening the curve reveals an interplay between disease spread and population behavior and how members of the population can be viewed as engaging in a strategic interaction with one another — a “game” — that determines the trajectory of the epidemic. Take part in an audience participatory example, illustrating how these interactions can be analyzed mathematically using game theory — and how math really can help us emerge victorious. Learn more and register for free at mathencounters.org.
Ask a Mathematician — Anything!
Thursday, March 4 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Ever wanted to ask a mathematician something, maybe about a curious new idea you have, or a concept you’d like to understand better? Don’t know whom to ask? Here’s your chance! MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, Alex Kontorovich, will host this one-hour online session. Learn more and register at askmath.momath.org.
Jump-in Geometry: “Inversion”
Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join Professor Paul Zeitz in this four-part series that focuses on hands-on concepts in geometry. Armed with pencils, rulers, and scissors, we will embark on a physical and dynamic exploration of size, shape, dimension, and more. Bring geometry from the realm of the abstract into the real world in this tangible learning adventure. What does it mean to “reflect about a circle?” This innocent question has a very definite answer that takes us into a wonderland of new insights about the unity of circles and lines. Learn more and register at jumpin.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, March 5 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Avian Arithmetic: The mathematics of bird flight
Friday, March 5 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Many of the secrets of bird flight remain to be unlocked despite centuries of study. Ornithology has traditionally been an empirical science, but various branches of applied mathematics have proven helpful in the understanding and modeling of this complex locomotor behavior. Led by bird photographer and author Peter Cavanagh, we’ll take a quick tour of the basic anatomy and biomechanics of bird flight, then discover where math fits into the puzzle. How does body size relate to flight speed? How can we use computational fluid dynamics to understand lift production in hovering hummingbirds, entropy to provide insight into flocking behavior, proportional navigation to study the pursuit of prey, and trigonometry to generate bird art? We’ll also touch on the transfer of some of this learned information to the design of bioinspired flying machines in this delightful exploration of the math of bird flight. Learn more and register at avian.momath.org.
Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math
Monday, March 8 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, in an exciting eight-week mini-course delving into the surprising connections between math and music — and featuring occasional live performances. Learn more and register at noteworthy.momath.org.
Forensic Linguistics: Using inductive inference and linguistic pattern recognition to solve crimes with the FBI
Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
How can math and linguistics be used together to advance criminal investigations, support social justice, identify plagiarism, and improve our legal system? Join Dr. Robert Leonard, Professor of Linguistics and Director of the Threat Assessment Institute at Hofstra University, for an engaging exploration of this unique new specialty. Referred to by The New Yorker as “one of the foremost language detectives in the country” and known as one of the world’s experts on authorship analysis, Dr. Leonard will share the data that he used in a murder investigation and explain how to find the linguistic clues that help unlock otherwise impenetrable mysteries. He’ll also share case studies demonstrating how analysis of language data has been applied to interrogations, “confessions,” and legal testimony to support the innocence of those wrongfully accused of crimes, to identify deception in speech patterns, to improve jury instructions, and to detect plagiarism, even sharpening the distinction between unintended sloppiness and deliberate intent. Learn more and register at forensic.momath.org.
Cybersecurity and Disinformation
Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Camille François, Chief Innovation Officer at cybersecurity company Graphika, presents a fascinating look at the way information — and increasingly, disinformation — can impact us all. Registration coming soon. Learn more at disinformation.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, March 12 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Krazy Kahoot with Steve Sherman
Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 pm ET (New York) — at a new time to accommodate participants in different time zones
Join MoMath’s favorite math quizmaster Steve Sherman for a family fun-filled game bursting with a wide range of entertaining questions for all ages. Is your family up for this lively challenge?! Learn more and register at krazy.momath.org.
Pi Day 2021
Sunday, March 14 at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 7:00 pm ET (New York)
Morning, afternoon, or evening: join us for pi throughout the day! Learn more and register at piday2021.momath.org.
11:00 am ET (New York): Start your morning off right with some eye-opening pi.
Roping Around the World
Come test your intuition with a mathematical problem about a rope tied around the Earth. Explore the counterintuitive solution with an engaging, hands-on activity.
Why Don’t We Celebrate Phi Day?
Phi, also known as the Golden Ratio, is one of the most unique irrational numbers in all of mathematics. Come learn about this fascinating number that shows up in all sorts of unexpected places, including a number of MoMath exhibits. Discover how the number pi truly is more special and deserving of its own holiday and how pi transcends the basic rules of arithmetic.
2:00 pm ET (New York): Who needs high tea when you can have pi glee?
Probably Pi
While it is impossible to write pi in its entirety, various methods exist to generate better and better approximations. In this crowd-sourced experiment, we see how the law of large numbers lets us confidently approach pi by using probability. By randomly dropping a needle onto a set of lines, we can converge on pi experimentally, without the need for direct measurement. Come help us generate data to see how far we can get in the digits of pi — the more, the mathier!
What Is the Value of Pi?
Throughout history, people have tried to compute the exact value of pi. Ancient Babylonians believed that pi = 25/8, Egyptians thought that pi = (16/9)^2 = 256/81, while the Indiana state legislature almost passed a bill in 1897 stating that pi = 3.2. We know now that pi cannot be computed exactly; join us as we use geometric constructions to find rational approximations.
7:00 pm ET (New York): Pi by night!
BYOP… Join Alex Kontorovich for an evening exploration — and bring your own (pizza) pi!
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor Alex Kontorovich for an exploration of pi. What does pi have to do with circles? How can we be sure that pi is bigger than three… or smaller than four? How can the power of pi surprise us when we look at everyday household items? And how can we use everyone’s favorite food to learn more about this amazing number? Join us to find out… and bring your own pizza pi!
Hidden Messages
Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
How can we use geometry to unveil the secrets that may be lurking within ordinary-appearing images? Join Dr. Jürgen Richter-Gebert, Professor at the Technical University of Munich and creator of iOrnament, to find out! Learn more and register at hidden.momath.org.
Math Gym, a workout for your brain
Wednesday, March 17 at 3:30 pm ET (New York)
Students in 4th grade and above are invited to spend an hour online with MoMath mathematicians, 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. These very limited spots fill quickly, so sign up soon! Learn more and register for free at workout.momath.org.
2021 Con Edison MoMathlon online middle school math tournament
Thursday, March 18 at 9:00 am ET (New York)
Sponsored by Con Edison, the 2021 MoMathlon provides an enriching day of challenge and camaraderie for middle school students as they solve fun and inspiring math problems and experience the excitement of learning as a team. This year’s tournament will be held online on Thursday, March 18 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm ET (New York). Schools may register teams of five 7th and 8th grade students to participate. For more information, visit momathlon.momath.org — registration will be coming soon.
Meet a Mathematician, featuring Lillian Pierce
Thursday, March 18 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Join host Alex Kontorovich as we bring diverse and talented guests to the MoMath stage to share their experiences, their stories, and their love of mathematics. In March, meet Lillian Pierce, the Nicholas J. and Theresa M. Leonardy Professor of Mathematics at Duke. Her research interests are at the intersection of number theory and harmonic analysis. Learn more and register at meetmath.momath.org.
Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… a blank sheet of graph paper”
Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Imagine you are stranded on a desert island with just pencil and paper — and one mathematical concept to explore. Your goal? To discover as much as you can about that topic. Join mathematician Paul Zeitz in an adventure combining mindfulness and play as we take a single, simple mathematical idea and look at it from as many perspectives as possible. Even alone on an island (or during a pandemic), you will never be bored as long as you have math and your imagination! Learn more and register at mindfulness.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, March 19 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Family Fridays: “More Magical Math”
Friday, March 19 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
You’ve seen him on Numberphile; now join MoMath in welcoming mathematician, musician, and public lecturer Ben Sparks to the Family Fridays stage. Magic and math have always gone hand in hand, and investigating the reasons why is both fun and instructive. Explore some of the classic overlaps between the world of magical performance and the world of mathematical reason, guided by one of the UK’s most popular math presenters. Come prepared to learn some new ideas and tricks, and leave ready to try them out on your family and friends! Learn more and register at familyfridays.momath.org.
Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster
Sunday, March 21 at 5:30 pm ET (New York)
Once upon a time there was a sensible straight line who was hopelessly in love with a beautiful dot. But the dot, though perfect in every way, only had eyes for a wild and unkempt squiggle. All of the line’s romantic dreams were in vain, until he discovered…angles! Now, with newfound self-expression, he can be anything he wants to be — a square, a triangle, a parallelogram….and that’s just the beginning! The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics was first published in 1963 and made into an Academy Award-winning animated short film. Join Tween Primes to discuss this supremely witty love story with a twist that reveals profound truths about relationships — both human and mathematical. Learn more and register at tweenprimes.momath.org.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for students in middle and high school
Sunday, March 21 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Middle and high school students, come spend an hour or more with your peers, enjoying interesting mathematical activities, interactive social games, and great music, all led by an experienced MoMath educator. Learn more and register at unlimited.momath.org.
Noteworthy Math: the math of music and the music of math
Monday, March 22 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Join MoMath’s Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, in an exciting eight-week mini-course delving into the surprising connections between math and music — and featuring occasional live performances. Learn more and register at noteworthy.momath.org.
Open Set 2021: a night of musical performance
Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
Add a little math to your music! We asked mathemusicians around the world to send us their best original mathematical lyrics or compositions. Now, you can hear the winners at a special night of online musical performance. Settle in for an evening of clever lyrics and fun tunes. Learn more and register at mathmusic.momath.org.
Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… powers of two”
Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Imagine you are stranded on a desert island with just pencil and paper — and one mathematical concept to explore. Your goal? To discover as much as you can about that topic. Join mathematician Paul Zeitz in an adventure combining mindfulness and play as we take a single, simple mathematical idea and look at it from as many perspectives as possible. Even alone on an island (or during a pandemic), you will never be bored as long as you have math and your imagination! Learn more and register at mindfulness.momath.org.
Folding Fridays
Friday, March 26 at 4:30 pm ET (New York)
Join origami expert Kathleen Sheridan for Folding Fridays. Explore the wonders of paper folding — there’s math in every fold! Learn more and register at foldingfridays.momath.org.
Equilibrium, an adult evening of mathematical games
Friday, March 26 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
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. Enjoy classics like SET and Connect Four, modern options from Ubongo to Skiwampus to Ricochet Robots, and even MoMath’s own twist on mathematical favorites like Hex and Nim. Prepare a snack, log on from home, and connect with new and interesting people, all while enjoying uniquely mathematical games, hosted by the nation’s only Museum of Math. Learn more and register at equilibrium.momath.org.
Origami Surprise! (members only)
Monday, March 29 at 7:00 pm ET (New York)
Members only! Join Kathleen Sheridan for an enjoyable, educational evening learning to fold an incredible origami model in this extended (90-minute) program. This action origami model, called Surprise, is one of many models created by Heinz Strobl using strips of paper. This is a free, members-only event, and all ages and levels are welcome. Not a member? Join today! Learn more and register at origami4members.momath.org.
QED: Homework Help… for Parents!
Tuesday, March 30 at 8:00 pm ET (New York)
In today’s environment, parents are more important than ever in the education of their children. But what happens when your child’s homework doesn’t look like anything you remember? How can you help your child when you’re not sure yourself how to solve a problem? Join MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor, Alex Kontorovich, as he provides homework help for parents. Bring your questions to this open forum: we’re here to help! Learn more and register at qed.momath.org.
Ask a Mathematician — Anything!
Thursday, April 1 at 4:00 pm ET (New York)
Ever wanted to ask a mathematician something, maybe about a curious new idea you have, or a concept you’d like to understand better? Don’t know whom to ask? Here’s your chance! MoMath’s 2020-2021 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, Alex Kontorovich, will host this one-hour online session. Learn more and register at askmath.momath.org.
Mathematical Mindfulness: “Everything you wanted to know about… triangular numbers”
Thursday, April 1 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Imagine you are stranded on a desert island with just pencil and paper — and one mathematical concept to explore. Your goal? To discover as much as you can about that topic. Join mathematician Paul Zeitz in an adventure combining mindfulness and play as we take a single, simple mathematical idea and look at it from as many perspectives as possible. Even alone on an island (or during a pandemic), you will never be bored as long as you have math and your imagination! Learn more and register at mindfulness.momath.org.
2021 MoMath SET Tournament
Saturday, April 3 at 6:30 pm ET (New York)
Challenge yourself and others to an exciting night of SET, an addictive card game for players of all ages! Sign up for the Expert Track to vie for the title of 2021 MoMath SET champion, or register to play in the Casual Track for a spirited night of SET games. Everyone will have fun at MoMath playing this high-speed card game that, while seemingly simple to learn, has many mathematical dimensions. Learn more and register at set.momath.org.
Math Encounters
Wednesday, April 7 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm ET (New York)
April’s Math Encounters features Dana Randall, ADVANCE Professor of Computing and Adjunct Professor in the School of Mathematics at Georgia Institute of Technology. Details coming soon. Learn more at mathencounters.org.
MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2021
Due to the current health situation, the MATRIX x IMAGINARY conference has been postponed.
MoMath is pleased to announce that it is joining forces with Institut Henri Poincaré and the IMAGINARY team to bring you MATRIX x IMAGINARY 2021. 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 at the fourth biennial MATRIX conference. For more information and to sign up for notification when new dates are finalized, visit matrix.momath.org.
ONGOING OFFERINGS
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 for summer 2021 and will be admitting candidates on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply at perspectives.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 Integrators interact with visitors (on the Museum floor or online) 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 the 2020-2021 school year and/or summer 2021 (online and/or in person)! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply at volunteers.momath.org.
School and group visits
MoMath has more than one dozen great programs, from graph coloring to Möbius bands, for school groups visiting the Museum, in person and online. Bring your students to MoMath — virtually! — for a peek into the exciting world of mathematics, and see why students and teachers of all ages love the Museum. Register at fieldtrips.momath.org.
Free trips for Title I schools
Thanks to contributions from individuals and organizations including Adams & Company, Con Edison, The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts, Two Sigma, the New York City Cultural Development Fund, New York City Council Members Mark Levine (7th District) and Carlina Rivera (2nd District), plus several generous MoMath friends, support for Title I schools is now available. To apply for a free trip (online or in person) during the 2020-2021 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 take advantage of 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 for select programs and for products in Additions, the shop at MoMath. And while the Museum is closed, members receive free registration to select online programs, free access to recordings of MoMath programs, and exclusive invitations to members-only online events. Become a premium member and receive early notices, special invitations to exclusive MoMath events, discounts on birthday parties, and more. 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 — virtually — soon!
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