MathFinder

Assembly Description
We're working on a new and exciting math assembly to debut in the fall of 2009!

Exhibit Description

  • Study the laws of probability with socks in a clothes dryer.
  • Learn about Platonic and Archimedean solids by building 3-D geometric shapes.
  • Find the math in stained glass windows, quilts, ice cream parlors, and more.
  • Use a computer to uncover the world of fractals.
  • Exercise spatial and logic skills with our math puzzles and games.
Mathfinder Lesson Choices
In each lesson, students will be asked to work in a cooperative group, with one or more other students.

Grades K-2

Mirror Image
Explore the world of symmetry while playing "The Reflection Game" using PentaBlocks(R)! Design colorful, symmetrical patterns and find symmetry in the world around you. Overhead projector or document camera recommended.

Sometimes Never
Take a spin with a colorful probability device to find out the chances of going to recess or visiting the library. Check predictions by recording spinner results with tiles on a wooden tile board to make a bar graph. Overhead projector or document camera recommended.

Big Things, Little Things
Our story of chickens in space initiates your exploration of perspective and scale. Match three dimentional objects to aerial photos and discover that close-up objects appear larger and far away objects appear smaller.

Grades 3-5

Puzzling Pentominoes
Puzzled about pentominoes? A pentomino is a special arrangement of five squares that can make pictures and letters if you piece them together just right. Exercise your spatial reasoning using these cool puzzle pieces. Overhead projector or document camera required.

Collect All Four
How much money will you have to spend to collect all four of our unique play characters? Dig deeply into "cereal," graphs and wallets to explore probability through the popular world of collecting. Overhead projector or document camera recommended.

Coming Soon
One more interactive, hands-on lesson to debut in the fall of 2009.

Grades 5-8

Dynamic Dice
Explore polyhedrons while designing and playing carnival dice games. Game operators calculate and convert probabilities to choose prizes. Predicted probabilities are compared to results. Overhead projector or document camera required.

NetShape Navigator
Can you distinguish an Archimedean solid from a Platonic solid? Explore the various kinds of solids and their networks (two-dimensional drawings of opened three-dimensional shapes) using special Polydron(R) pieces. Overhead projector or document camera required.

Fabulous Fractals
What do a seashell and broccoli have in common? Explore a living branch of mathematics through everyday objects and exotic art including the Mandelbrot set. Overhead projector or document camera and TV/VCR required.

Web Links (These links will take you to activities outside Pacific Science Center's site.)

Call (206)443-2925 for registration and other information.
TDD: (206)443-2887