Every year at Math On-A-Stick, we get questions about whether similar events exist at other state fairs, and about what is required to bring this kind of educational play to other fairs.
As far as we know, the Minnesota State Fair is the only state fair with a large-scale playful family math event. We have dreamed of supporting others in building new things in new places, but there has been little capacity for providing that support.
Until now! In my new role as Director of Math Play here at MathHappens Foundation, I have reached out to folks who have previously expressed interest. This led to me visiting the Ohio State Fair last week.
The Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics ran a one-day event there in 2018 and again in 2019, titled Deep Fried Math. Things got restructured after the fair was canceled in 2020, and now we are excited to build new momentum for eleven days of math in 2025!
I learned about Donut Burgers (tagline: Donuts Are the Bun!) I saw the Butter Cow. I wondered whether the butter bicycle had an internal frame of any kind.
I visited the Lausche building (tagline: Youth Exploration Space) where I learned that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library currently reaches 60% of children 0–5 years of age in Ohio because of a Governor and First Lady initiative. I saw children driving their vehicles around Tiny Town.
I met local math educators Chris Irick and Leah Gaines to follow up on conversations and documents we had shared, and to imagine the possibilities in person together.
Next steps are for Chris and Leah to organize locally while we at MathHappens wait to hear what support we can provide. If you’re in Ohio and want to support, get in touch through OCTM or the Central Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (COCTM).
Up next, on August 3, I’ll be at the Wisconsin State Fair with a small local team. Get in touch with me if you’re around and would like to join us! Get in touch with me and/or the Wisconsin Math Council if you have time, energy, or other support to offer.
Of course, if you want us to support you in thinking about bringing math to a fair (or some other event or institution) in your state, reach out! I’m at [email protected]
Math On-A-Stick requires the coordination and support of many people and organizations. MathHappens is excited to join this growing list that includes the following:
- The Minnesota State Fair
- The Minnesota State Fair Foundation
- The Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- Talking Math with Your Kids
- Public Math
- MathHappens Foundation