2theXtreme—MathAlive!

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One of the most interactive and inspiring exhibitions exploring the world of mathematics ever to tour.

2theXtreme–MathAlive! is designed to inspire, to spark the imagination, and to reveal not only math at work, but the endless possibilities of math. Designed for families and students, the exhibition brings to life the real math behind what kids love most – video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics, and more – and creates interactive and immersive experiences that bring to life the math at work in each, whether in design, application, or use.

In this 5,000 square foot exhibition, you'll ride a snowboard in a 3D experience, design (and play) your own video game, capture your 360-degree image in a unique interactive, jump into a fractal dance party, and even design a custom skateboard for "pop" – the quick, snapping motion that allows a board to do the best tricks. Through nearly 40 unique, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes math from its native form into the applied worlds of design, engineering, technology, and science.You'll explore and operate simulations of NASA's latest robotics, including the Robonaut 2 and the Curiosity Rover. You'll test your engineering and city-planning skills on a large-scale eco bridge and take on different engineering roles as they design a more sustainable infrastructure for a city.

The exhibition is designed to answer the age-old question: "Will I ever use all this math they're teaching us?"

Visitors are accompanied by fun and quirky virtual guides–the "BotZ"–and along the way, you'll meet and hear professionals, visionaries, and inspiring personalities talk about math in their work across fields kids are most interested in exploring.

Boardercross: Snowboarding Experience

Jump onto a pivoting snowboard, angle your board, and fly over obstacles while racing friends and other guests to the finish line.

Ramp It Up: Build Your Skateboard with POP

Design your own skateboard that performs the best tricks. Determine the shape and length of your board, choose the perfect wheel size, and then test your skateboard's ability to perform an ollie.

Style Revolution: 360-degree Photo Shoot

Strike a pose! Step onto a photo stage and have your image captured in 360 degrees, using the same freeze-motion technique made famous in modern action movies. 

Pedal to the Peak: Mountain Bike Challenge

Jump on a stationary bike and compete in a mountain bike race. As you pedal, try to match shaded areas on two combined graphs to gain maximum points.

Get a Grip: Rock Climbing

Test your climbing abilities with a horizontal climb around a rock wall. Measure your height and arm span on this hands-on exhibit.

Game Developer

Race against the clock to develop and program your very own game with a 3D model.

Supertall: Skyscraper Design Studio

Design your own 'supertall' skyscraper by making several decisions about the building's function, structure, and design. If your structure passes the test, it will be 'built' with simulated time-lapse photography.

Mix It Up: Giant Musical Instrument

Explore the relationship between rhythm and math by adding or subtracting musical elements on a giant super-instrument.

On Target: NASA Robot

Control a viewing camera mounted at the end of a Robotic Arm on the International Space Station.

Thematic Areas:

  • Outdoor Action… Adventure Sports
  • Build Your World… Environment
  • Future Style… Style and Design
  • Kickin’ It… Entertainment
  • Game Plan… Video Games and Other Games
  • Robotics and Space
  • Resource Center

Plan a Field Trip

Bring your group to 2theXtreme – MathAlive! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum!

Traveling exhibitions at the San Diego Air & Space Museum offer even more specialized learning experiences for students and groups. For an additional fee, include a world-class traveling exhibition as part of your field trip. Catch them while you can.

For information, pricing and availability for field trips, call 619.234.8291 x119.

Teachers Area To support you in planning a field trip or bringing 2theXtreme – MathAlive! into your classroom, a range of materials and resources are available to help.

  • Teacher's Activity Guide: this guide is designed to be downloaded and can be printed by activity or in its entirety. Download PDF

The activities in the Teacher's Activity Guide can be used before or after your visit to the exhibit. They are designed for teachers as well as community group leaders and museum educators who work with upper elementary and middle school-aged students. The Guide is organized into six sections that match the theme areas of the exhibit: Adventure Sports, Environment, Style/Design, Entertainment, Video Games, and Robots/Space. The activities take an inquiry approach to learning and have the flexibility to be adapted to younger and older students. They are written with a casual style, addressing students directly, requiring only supplies that are easy and inexpensive to obtain. A chart is included to show the links between the activities, the math content, and the related component from the national "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics." Also included is a brief overview of the exhibit itself to prepare for your visit and support your follow-up activities.

The national exhibition and presentation are made possible by Raytheon.

Developed in Collaboration with:

  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • NASA
  • National Society of Professional Engineers
  • MATHCOUNTS
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • MathMovesU

San Diego Air & Space Museum

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