New partnership brings unique program and resources of innovative national network of math institutions to science and art museum in Salt Lake City
Press Release – New York, NY (November 29, 2018) The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) announced the continuation of its innovative math outreach program, MoMath 2 Go: the Family Math Initiative, through a partnership with the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation in Salt Lake City, UT. Sponsored by the Heising-Simons Foundation, this first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to help families become more comfortable talking about math with preschool through second-grade children and engage parents in local communities who might not have access to the latest in math education.
MoMath designed this program as part of a collaborative study with the University of Chicago Science of Learning Center (SLC), whose previous work determined that fears of math may be formed in children as early as preschool. Led by Susan C. Levine, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology and SLC Director, the SLC team found that structuring conversations about math between parents and children can reduce the math achievement gap between the children of high- and low-math anxious parents and can increase children’s mathematical and spatial fluency. MoMath’s partnership with SLC builds on this research.
“We are pleased to partner with the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation in bringing the MoMath 2 Go program to reach additional communities,” said Cindy Lawrence, Executive Director of MoMath and creator of MoMath 2 Go. “MoMath’s math outreach program was built on the idea that early math fluency is an essential educational cornerstone for children across America. We want to help families build that foundation with their children.”
MoMath 2 Go: the Family Math Initiative features two popular MoMath exhibitions, “Ring of Fire” and “Miles of Tiles,” both currently on display at the Museum in New York, along with specially created MoMath 2 Go “tip cards” that provide talking points for parents to communicate mathematics to their children more effectively. The two exhibitions demonstrate the ability to stimulate early math fluency among parents and children, who have reported that they had fun and are more likely to continue conversations about math moving forward.
“We are excited to partner with the National Museum of Mathematics to bring even more interactive experiences to our visitors,” said Drew Ehrgott, Creative Director of the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation. “Showcasing the Museum’s MoMath 2 Go exhibit will promote creative and innovative thinking to our community, which is what we strive to do as an organization that uses the fundamentals and teachings of Leonardo da Vinci. MoMath’s interactive components will fit perfectly with da Vinci’s passion for engineering and math, and will exceed our goal to engage communities who may not have access to the latest in math education. Math is an intimidating subject for many and with MoMath 2 Go’s help, we can show that it can be fun.”
About the National Museum of Mathematics
The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) strives to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics in daily life. Currently celebrating its fifth anniversary, MoMath has reached more than 1.5 million New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.
The only math museum in North America, MoMath fills a critical demand around the country and worldwide for hands-on math programming, offering a space where the math-challenged, as well as math enthusiasts of all backgrounds and levels of understanding can enjoy the infinite and beautiful world of mathematics through more than 37 unique, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits.
In addition to MoMath’s home in New York City, Museum exhibitions and content are currently featured in Singapore, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
MoMath received the 2016 Communications Award for Public Outreach from the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics. The Museum was awarded the bronze 2013 MUSE Award for Education and Outreach by the American Alliance of Museums. MoMath has been recognized as the Most Fascinating Museum in New York State by the TripAdvisor vacation site and hailed as the “Best Museum for Kids” by New York Magazine.
MoMath, located at 11 East 26th Street on the north side of popular Madison Square Park in Manhattan, is open seven days a week, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more information, visit momath.org.
About The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation
The Leonardo is a science and art museum inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s willingness to follow his curiosity and belief that the arts and sciences were a part of the same enterprise. Through world-class exhibits, public programs, and hands-on activities, The Leonardo encourages visitors of all ages to spark their creativity, awaken their curiosity, and heighten their engagement in the world around them as they explore the connections between science, technology, art, and math. For more information about The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation, please visit http://theleonardo.org/.
About the Heising-Simons Foundation
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation based in Los Altos, California. The Foundation works with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enable groundbreaking research in science, enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people. Learn more at www.hsfoundation.org.
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