City Tech faculty visit the Mathematica exhibit during winter intersession to kick off new NEH grant

The influential design team of Charles and Ray Eames produced the groundbreaking Mathematica exhibition in 1961. On a cold wintry day in late January, City Tech faculty visited the New York version of Eames’ groundbreaking interactive show to kick off the NEH project. Faculty from different departments of City Tech’s three schools came together at the New York Hall of Science to examine the cultural impact of the Eames’ exhibit, which has been on display since the 1964 Worlds Fair. Much didactic and philosophical discussion ensued about the visual representation of conceptual mathematical frameworks, the consideration of diverse learning styles, and the notable differences in past and current pedagogical practices. As noted by faculty, the “history wall” in the display is rather Euro-centric and dated, which the science center dealt with by including a computer console with more up-to-date information. However, if you want to look at the original timeline, IBM and the Eames Office produced a free commemorative app “Minds of Modern Mathematics” in 2012 that is available here.