We traveled to Philadelphia to be a part of the ICM Mathematics Festival. This amazing conference takes place every four years. Four new Fields Medalists were named with more prizes and talks in the program. Jordan Varat, Austin Bell and Lauren Siegel were the festival team. Many friends and colleagues from the MATRIX conference also attended. Our festival space gave
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Last week, the MathHappens Foundation team traveled to New York City for MATRIX x Imaginary 2026 joining mathematicians, educators, museum professionals, designers, and makers from around the world to celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and wonder of mathematics. From inspiring keynote talks to hands on workshops and interactive activity tables, the conference was a great reminder that mathematics is not just
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Attending the 16th Gathering for Gardner conference in San Francisco was a great experience for MathHappens! The event, held in honor of the life and spirit of Martin Gardner, brings together mathematicians, scientists, skeptics, artists, and puzzle enthusiasts who share a love for curiosity, creativity, and playful discovery. Martin Gardner was known not only for his contributions to recreational mathematics,
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Thank you to Dr. Yossi Elron and the Davidson Institute for a terrific visit and the opportunity to share MathHappens philosophy and methods with twenty teachers, administrators and young adults preparing to work with schools on mathematics. In addition to Geometiles, 21st Century Pattern Blocks, Blocks Jr. and Bubble Tiles we selected a variety of materials to leave with the
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MathHappens had the privilege of presenting a hands-on session at the 2025 Summer Institute for Teachers hosted by the National Museum of the Pacific War. Elizabeth Wrightsman facilitated a workshop called “Ciphers, Cannons, and Cargo: A WWII Math Adventure.” It invited educators to explore how mathematics played a crucial role in shaping critical moments in the Pacific Theater during World
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In July 2025, MathHappens had the opportunity to attend the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching (CAMT) in San Antonio. It was an insightful and inspiring experience to interact with so many math educators. Our booth was a hub of activity throughout the event. We brought a selection of our favorite models and hands-on materials for educators to explore.
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This art piece was a part of a traveling exhibit called Geometry of Hope that came to Austin Texas while I was teaching at ACE Academy. Art teacher Martha Merry and I wanted to collaborate on on art and math field trip. The materials are simple, the connection to the art is authentic and the mathematics is accessible, but also
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Click through here for the whole presentation. We do three math “experiments” in the session all using “calling cards” other materials common in the books are corks, wine bottles, knives, candles and other handy household items from the 1890s. These are so much fun!
The Matrix x Imaginary Conference that happens every two years brings together math museums and math outreach organizations and educators from around the world, including Eastern Europe, and Australia. Some of our favorite folks from MoMath, SUMM, and MMACA were there. We had a great time at the talks and in our time manning our display table. After the conference
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The American Association for the Advancement of Science – Pacific Division is a conference we’ve been interested in for several years. In 2024, our colleague Joan Horvath, who we’ve worked with at MakerFaire Los Angeles and other events invited us to participate in her session. Matt Hertel created a presentation to share the math room concept, where we are today
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