The National Math Festival in Washington DC will bring families together this spring to discover the power of mathematics in a fun and educational event at a variety of venues on the National Mall. Sponsored by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, the event will feature more than 30 unique performances, interactive exhibits, and lectures, with activities for all ages.


The festival will also feature presentations by some of the most influential mathematicians of our time: Dr. Kenneth Golden, Professor of Mathematics and Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Dr. Richard Tapia, professor and mathematician at Rice University; and Dr. Steven Strogatz, the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics at Cornell University.

Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Math Festival Venues

• Smithsonian's Enid A. Haupt Garden - Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW
• S. Dillon Ripley Center - 1100 Jefferson Drive SW
• National Museum of Natural History - 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW
• National Air and Space Museum - Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW
• National Museum of African Art - 950 Independence Avenue SW
• Freer Gallery - Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW
• Sackler Gallery - Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW

The best way to get to the National Mall is to use public transportation. Metro Stations nearby include Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Capitol South, L'Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, and Archives-Navy Memorial.

See a map and directions to the National Mall. Parking is very limited in this part of the city. For suggestions of places to park, see a guide to parking near the National Mall.

Highlights of the National Math Festival

Math Midway: The nationally acclaimed exhibition includes more than 20 interactive exhibits that allow you to step into the world of pattern, shape, and number, and to explore the wonderful world of mathematics. From the Square-Wheeled Tricycle to the Ring of Fire, there’s an activity for everyone. (Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden)

Who Wants to Be a Mathematician: High school students will compete with one another by answering multiple choice mathematics questions in a competitive and entertaining quiz show format. The top prize is $3,000. (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History)

Ooblek Olympics:  The hands-on ‘obstacle’ course encourages contestants to slug it out over a range of mathletic challenges. Small teams will walk, jump, and skip through a (non-Newtonian) water challenge; compete in a honey dipper egg-and-spoon style race; and shoot smoke rings like William Tell. Competitors will need to mathematically manipulate the forces of nature to win. (Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden)

Escape from DC: Imprisoned in straightjackets, chains and handcuffs, passers-by will be called on to help set a team of professional contortionists free using mathematical subterfuge. The best case is where no bonds or handcuffs need be broken. (Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden)

Design a Kolam: Young artists ages 8-14 will discover the curved loops and geometric symmetry of this South Indian style of painting, and make their own to take home. (Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Galleries)

Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art: From the Alhambra in Spain to the Taj Mahal, renowned expert Carol Bier will lead an illustrated journey through Islamic art and architecture. (Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Galleries)

Website:www.MathFest.org.

About the Mathematical Science Research Institute

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) is one of the world’s preeminent centers for collaborative research in mathematics. Since 1982, MSRI’s topic-focused programs have brought together emerging and leading minds in mathematics, in an environment that promotes creativity and the interchange of ideas. Over 1,500 mathematical scientists spend time at MSRI’s California headquarters each year. MSRI is known around the world for the quality and reach of its programs and its leadership in basic research, and also in mathematics education and in the public understanding of mathematics. For more information, visit www.msri.org.

About the Institute for Advanced Study

The Institute for Advanced Study, founded in 1930 as an independent institution in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the world’s leading centers for basic research in the sciences and humanities, where the permanent faculty and visiting scholars have the freedom to pursue some of the deepest theoretical questions without pressure for immediate outcomes. Its reach has been multiplied many times over through the more than 7,000 scholars who have influenced entire fields of study as well as the work and minds of colleagues and students. for more information, visit www.ias.edu.

About the Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,400 Smithsonian employees and 5,500 volunteers. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 138 million, including more than 126 million specimens and artifacts at the National Museum of Natural History. Read more about the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC