Info for Museums

One of the most interactive and inspiring science exhibitions exploring the world of mathematics ever to tour.

MathAlive! is designed to inspire, to spark the imagination, to reveal not only math at work, but the endless possibilities of math. Primarily designed for kids in grades 3-8, the exhibition brings to life the real math behind what kids love most – video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics and more – and creates interactive and immersive experiences that bring to life the math at work in each, whether in design, application or use.

Visitors will ride snowboards in a step-on experience, program the robotic arm from the cupola of the ISS, design (and play) their own video games, capture their 360-degree image in a stop-moti on video, edit their own video game, and even try their hand at systems engineering for a city. Through 40 unique, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes math from its native form into the applied worlds of design, engineering, technology and science.

The institutional partners will support host museums with events, competitions and activities, helping museums turn entire cities into 'math towns', each with rich calendars of activities throughout the run of the exhibition. The supplemental resources, media, materials, events and programming will support museums in bringing math meaningfully and effectively into their institution and their local community.

The exhibition debuts nationally at Smithsonian Institution in March 2012.

Developed in Collaboration with:  

• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• NASA
• National Association of Professional Engineers
• MATHCOUNTS
• Society of Women Engineers
• MathMovesU

The national exhibition is underwritten by Raytheon.

No exhibition ever has better answered the age-old question: "Will I ever use all this math they're teaching us?"

Thematic Areas:

• Outdoor Action… Adventure Sports
• Build Your World… Environment
• Future Style… Style and Design
• Kickin’ It… Entertainment
• Game Plan… Video Games and Other Games
• Robotics and Space
• Resource Center

Exhibit links:

Download Floor Plan

Exhibit Details:

• Exhibit size: 5,000 square feet
• Target Audience: families, students grades K-12 (with focus on grades 3-8, ages 7-14)