Testing Site

Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture

Science
Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture
Math_Monday_banner_600px.gif

Giant Zometool sculpture

By George Hart for the Museum of Mathematics

zometool-construction.jpg

What is the largest geometric structure you have ever made? This giant Zometool construction contains 50,000 parts and is five meters in diameter.

Zometool-Sculpture-detail.jpg

As this detail image shows, Zometool is a plastic construction set with hubs and struts that provide lengths and angles for making mathematical models. The effect of elegant smooth curves results from many short straight pieces.

zometool-group.jpg

The sculpture was made at the Bridges Math/Art conference in Banff. Over a hundred people worked together to execute this beautiful design by Chris Kling, in memorial to him. At The Museum of Mathematics, we support this sort of hands-on building experience to convey mathematical principles in a fun, engaging manner.

More:
Math Monday: Giant burr puzzles
Math Monday: Fractal polyhedra clusters
Math Monday: Giant SOMA puzzle
Math Monday: Tie your bagel in a knot!
Math Monday: Playing card constructions
Introducing “Math Monday”

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Tagged

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

ADVERTISEMENT

FEEDBACK