Just as our school doors close this summer, The Discovery Center for Science and Technology opens its doors to a wonderful interactive carnival of learning and fun right next door in Thousand Oaks. The “Big Top” gates open on June 18, 2011, to reveal “Math Midway,” a 5,000-square-foot interactive exhibition presented by The Discovery Center that seeks to mathematically excite and empower both kids and adults. This interactive carnival, which highlights the engaging and playful nature of mathematics, is making its West Coast premiere in Thousand Oaks.
Math Midway will be housed in the heart of Thousand Oaks at 43 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., near Moorpark Road. It will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from June 18 through August 12. Special events and group visits are encouraged and may be arranged outside of regular hours. Tickets are $8; children 3 and under are free. For more information visit: www.discoverycntr.org, Email: info@discoverycntr.org or call 818 879-2021.
The Math Midway is made up of several brightly-colored tents and enticing activities, each featuring a math-based game or skill. Kids and adults will scratch their heads in puzzlement as they experience the smooth ride of a square-wheeled tricycle and watch unique pen and ink drawings emerge while using a mechanical harmonograph.
Carrie Glicksteen, president of The Discovery Center, said “Keeping the carnival theme, exhibit highlights include adjustable fun-house mirrors, a chance to create one’s own roller coaster design, and a ring of ‘fire’ (actually lasers). In addition, a monkey on tightrope teaches number groups and relationships, while an organ grinder demonstrates functional math through music. Visitors will come away with a new appreciation for the fun, beauty and intrigue of mathematics.”
The fun, traveling exhibition was created by The Museum of Mathematics, based in New York, in order to further their goal “to expose a fresh and exciting new view of mathematics.” The popular display debuted at the World Science Festival Street Fair in New York in 2009 and is currently touring museums throughout the United States, increasing appreciation for mathematics.
learning.”
Holly Cole, Verizon’s director of government and external affairs said “Math Midway is an exciting experience that will spark one’s curiosity for mathematics. Verizon is proud to partner with The Discovery Center for Science and Technology in this creative and interactive approach to stimulate learning."
