In this multimedia and hands-on workshop, participants will explore the elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and construct the building blocks of Nature using a new 3D modeling toy called FLEXISTIX. This half-day, family friendly workshop is open to all ages and perfect for middle grades students. Since antiquity, humans have recognized geometric patterns in the natural world. Geometry (Geo + Metry) literally means Earth measurement, and beautifully illustrates connections between vastly different scales of creation. Becoming fluent in the universal language of geometry allows one to read the book of Nature on the journey of life and experience a profound connection to its wonder along the way.
Whether you are already a math whiz or could use some inspiration join us and prepare to have your mind blown and and your eyes opened to the beauty and mystery of geometry.
Mark Hanf is a mathematician, artist, and teacher who has been exploring the nexus of the sciences and arts his entire life. In 1995, he was nominated to attend the NC Governor’s School in both Art and Mathematics where he studied Fractal and Non-Euclidean Geometry. He received a BA in Visual Arts from Davidson College in 2000 exploring both two and three-dimensional forms through acrylic painting, glass and wood. In 2006, he was a participant in the Design Science Lab, a ten-day international think-tank on 21st Century education, sponsored by The Buckminster Fuller Institute and the United Nations. From 2006-2012, Mark was part of a team that created Our Living Spaceship, a special project of the Buckminster Fuller Institute that integrated global geography, earth science, geometry, and service learning. Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s World Game, this program was presented on Fuller’s Dymaxion World Map that shows a unique, undistorted projection of our planet as one island in one ocean. Since 2001, he has taught STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) in the classroom, led teacher trainings, and facilitated workshops around the country at schools, conferences, universities, and museums. Mark is also a professional artist and creates work that explores Nature’s architecture and symmetry. Recently, Mark has worked with Hape Toys to design FLEXISTIX: Leonardo’s Elements and is creating a range of multimedia STEAM education activities to dovetail with the new toy.