Join us at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences on Saturday 25 October for a day packed with hands-on mathematical activities, including the chance to take part in the global MegaMenger event: help to build the world's largest ever distributed fractal!
A Menger sponge is a (nearly) three-dimensional fractal: a true Menger sponge, if the process continues indefinitely, has zero volume but infinite surface area. The MegaMenger project aims to build a distributed global fractal in multiple sites worldwide, made from business cards. (You can read more about the maths behind the model on Plus, our free online maths magazine.)
During the day we will be building a Level 3 cube out of 8,000 smaller cubes. Our finished Level 3 sponge will be made of 48,000 business cards, weigh over 90Kg and be 1.5 metres tall, wide and deep. Drop in at any point during the day (11am - 3pm) to join in with the Menger sponge building and help to make the global MegaMenger happen!
In addition to the MegaMenger build, there will be a wide range of other hands-on mathematical activities for all ages from 5 to 18, led by MMP staff and Maths Faculty student volunteers.
The event is free and no booking is needed: drop in at any time between 11am and 3.00. Under-14s must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Please note: the MegaMenger build requires some precision and accuracy when folding business cards, so is more suitable for older children (suggested age 10+) and adults. There will also be a wide range of other hands-on mathematical activities on offer, with different activities for younger children (age 5+) and older ages (8+, 11+, 15+).
The Maths Cafe will be open between 11am and 3pm, serving tea and coffee, soft drinks, snacks and sandwiches.
There will also be limited free parking on-site in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences car park on Wilberforce Road between 11am-3pm. You can find a detailed site map and directions to the CMS here.
Cards for the build kindly donated by Victoire Press.
