This summer 30 researchers, origami artists, educators and junior and senior high school students had the unique opportunity to participate in the first Neil Shore Recreational Math Workshop on the topic of flexagons. 

The workshop was held at the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science, from June 10-13. Led by US lecturers Ann Schwartz and Scott Sherman, along with local expert Dr. Yossi Elran, Head of Innovation Center for Science Education, the workshop hosted lectures by experts in the field of flexagons and provided participants with guided group work opportunities. 

“This week has been the best week in all my 15 years at the Davidson Institute,” says Dr. Elran. “It is a dream come true – we really started something new, fulfilling and sustainable – that will send many more ripples throughout the math education ecosystem.“ 

During the workshop participants even made new discoveries about some of the flexagons, and an astonishing 19 educational projects were suggested. Many of the suggested projects even got to the ”blueprint“ stage during the workshop itself.  

The workshop is believed by the Davidson Institute to be the first time, such a diverse cohort has performed research, that has led to both research discoveries and education at the same time. 

This incredible initiative could not have been done without the vision and support of our fellow Canadian and philanthropic partner, Neil Shore.  

A variety of educational programs are available to all Canadian Students through Weizmann Canada. We encourage you to visit our website for more information: https://www.weizmann.ca/educational-programs/