School children played games on the interactive Math Square at the new Museum of Math.

Have you ever tried riding a bike with square wheels? You can do just that at the new National Museum of Mathematics in New York City. There, visitors can ride a square-wheeled tricycle around a track with a wavy surface. Mathematical ideas were used to design the track so that square wheels can roll on it. It is a surprisingly smooth ride.

Nicknamed MoMath, the museum opened in December 2012. Of the many museums in the United States, it is the only one dedicated to mathematics. Glen Whitney, a mathematician, had the idea to build the museum. One of his goals was to show people how fun and cool math can be. He also wanted to show how mathematical ideas are used every day to create art, buildings, games, and puzzles. The museum was designed for elementary and middle school students, but people of all ages can enjoy the exhibits and activities.

The exhibits at MoMath inspire curiosity and encourage people to think and ask questions about math. Visitors can play math games on the large, interactive Math Square. Using LED lights, the Math Square changes colors and creates moving shapes as it reacts to people’s footsteps. At the Wall of Fire exhibit, visitors can watch laser lights reveal geometric shapes that are hidden in everyday objects. They can also learn about the role math plays in making music at the Harmony of the Spheres exhibit. By touching large, glowing spheres, musical sounds can be created.

At MoMath, visitors choose how much of the math behind each exhibit they want to find out about. They can read information that explains the math or they can brainstorm with others about what makes something work. MoMath helps remind kids that math is used every day in many ways. The museum also teaches that math is both important and fun.

Image credit: ©Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/NewsCom

Related Link

• The National Museum of Mathematics
  Learn more about the new Museum of Math.