Fun and learning in Lido School's Math Museum

Principal Brenda Young led a ribbon cutting to unveil and introduce Lido School’s new math museum.

Courtesy of Long Beach Public Schools

Students in grades K-5 at Lido School are exploring mathematics in a new light, through the recent installation of a Math Museum that encompasses various aspects of the subject. Unveiled with a ribbon cutting on March 3, the museum was met with enthusiasm from both students and staff members.

Spearheaded by teachers and Principal Brenda Young, the museum’s launch was timed in conjunction with the month of March for a celebration dubbed March Math Madness. Located at Math Midway, an area of the building’s main hallway, the museum is comprised of many features.

An estimation station allows students to make number predictions, and various activities, games and reading materials provide fun and interactive ways for students of all ages to enhance their math skills either independently or together. A geometric figure named Melinda Math poses a problem for students to solve, and a measuring center encourages them to determine their heights.

Throughout the month of March, Lido is embracing a special focus on mathematics. Students can solve the Math Mystery Number questions that are displayed on posters outside of each classroom, and Morning Math Moments are shared daily during announcements to enrich students’ mathematics vocabularies. Mathematical symbols can be spotted throughout the building, and students are asked to participate in Math Matters word problems each week with answers placed on a Math Masters Mural.

“The museum was introduced as a way to focus on math and show a love and appreciation for math,” said Mrs. Young.

“People are often afraid of math, and this shows that it is fun,” said district math coach Theresa Taplin.

Each class will visit the museum, and it is also open to the public during the following hours of operation: Thursday, March 17 from 1:15-3:15 p.m. and Friday, March 18 from 1:15-3:15 p.m.