What does a clam harvest have to do with math? Or a slice of tree trunk? Or the spiral of a pinecone? You can find out for yourself on the Math Path, the newest addition to the trails on the Mission’s Downeast Campus.
The Math Path has three interactive exhibits along our two-mile trail network, which winds through the woods and along the Narraguagus River.
Designed with partner Maine Discovery Museum, the Math Path is for kids and adults. “Our day use trails are open to the public, and we’re so excited for this new addition,” says Downeast Director Monica Olivares. “The Math Path highlights the beauty of math, fosters curiosity, and elevates mathematical thinking through three very Maine installations.”
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What you'll find along the way
Each stop connects math to life here in Maine:
- Fibonacci numbers in nature. Find the patterns in Maine’s wild plants and animals.
- “Tree cookie” fractions. Learn basic fractions using cross-sections of trees, a nod to Maine’s forestry past and future.
- A stone abacus. Count up a clam harvest the old-fashioned way.
The fun goes beyond the trail, too. A hands-on activity kit goes with the Math Path. Kids at EdGE Summer Camp used it this summer, and it will be part of EdGE Afterschool this school year.
Part of a national effort
The Math Path is one of just four projects in the country that are part of Meaningful Math: Museum and Community Partnerships. Through this initiative, museums, math experts, and community organizations work together to create local math programs that are fun and inspiring.
The Franklin Institute designed Meaningful Math, and the Simons Foundation supports it through its Infinite Sums initiative. The two-year grant helps museums across the country team up with community partners. Maine Discovery Museum was chosen as one of only four national science hubs for the grant.
“This program puts community at the core of creating joyful math experiences accessible to all,” said Trudi Plummer, the Museum’s Special Projects lead and newly appointed Math Ambassador for the Infinite Sums initiative. “We’re excited to elevate the voices in our communities, build meaningful learning opportunities, and highlight the beauty and universal nature of math.”
Walk the Math Path
The Math Path is self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace. Our trails at 39 Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield are open to the public for day use, seven days a week. Bring the family, bring a friend, and see what you can puzzle out along the way.
To learn more about the Mission’s Downeast campus, visit our the Mission Downeast web page.