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Making Math Visible

  • Medical Sciences (Macleod) Auditorium 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8 Canada (map)

Art and Mathematics have a long history. From the linear geometry of perspective to the mind-bending geometric tricks of M.C. Escher, one can inform the other. But can they also inform how we approach teaching math?

Just as exposure to great books can entice students to learn to read, beautiful mathematical objects may fuel students' desire to investigate topics in mathematics and give them an opportunity to acquire a positive lifetime perspective towards math.

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Participants will collaborate in constructing a giant geometric sculpture that illustrates mathematical ideas of symmetry and pattern! This program will also feature hands-on activities for students of all ages!

George W. Hart

George W. Hart is an interdisciplinary sculptor, mathematician, computer scientist and educator, recently retired from Stony Brook University, New York. His geometric sculpture is recognized around the world for its mathematical depth and creative use of materials. He is a pioneer in using computer technology and 3D printing in the design and fabrication of sculpture. He has received praise and awards in numerous exhibitions and has been invited to lecture and show his art across the country and around the globe. He loves designing sculptures to be assembled by large groups of people.

Hart's mathematical research centers on novel polyhedral structures and algorithms for producing them. He has produced algorithms for generating various new classes of polyhedra, which he then presents to the world in sculptural forms.

Elisabeth Heathfield

Elisabeth Heathfield is a certified teacher and an artist with in-depth experience running math workshops at the middle and elementary school levels. She conducts research into early math education and collaborates with George Hart to design workshops for teachers. Elisabeth is interested in exploring the connections between math and art and how hands-on construction activities can change children's mindsets about mathematics. She is also a practicing artist whose work has been exhibited in Canada, England, Italy, and the US and she has taught fine art classes at various institutions in Ontario.

Reserve your spot here.