New York Children's Museum Teaches Math with Toys

Playthings Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 12/26/2012 11:51:38 AM

Museum of MathematicsNEW YORK - Inside the Museum of Mathematics in New York City, kids can construct objects using Zome Tools or go over an upside-down track in the form of a catenary, the shape formed by a chain when you hold both ends, while riding a square-shaped bike. As they play, children are learning one of the most challenging school subjects: math.

Opened on Dec 15, the museum, located on East 26th St. in Manhattan, helps present math as fun. Nicknamed "MoMath," the museum occupies two floors and was created by Glen Whitney, a mathematician and former hedge fund analyst who helped raise $23.5 million to build the 19,000-square-foot museum. Whitney also serves as president of the Board of Trustees and executive director of the museum.

The museum is targeted for children in fourth through eighth grades but can also be enjoyed by younger kids. Governed by a Board of Trustees, the museum receives intellectual guidance from an advisory council and operates with the assistance of the Working Group.

To date, the museum has created the Math Midway exhibition, which is currently touring museums throughout the United States; led math tours in various U.S. cities; developed the Math Encounters presentation series; delivering programs for students, teachers, and the public to increase appreciation of mathematics; and raised more $22 million in the process.