The World's Fifth Mathematics Museum Opens in Ukraine!
The first interactive Mathematics Museum "Cuboid" has been created in Ukraine. This is a strategic educational project aimed at making mathematics exciting, accessible, and engaging.
Its main goal is to help Ukrainian students overcome educational losses in mathematics, change approaches to its teaching through innovative learning methods, and promote STEM disciplines. "Cuboid" is only the fourth such museum in Europe and the fifth in the world!
The creation of this space began in 2021 following a presidential decree declaring the 2020/2021 academic year as the Year of Mathematical Education. Thanks to the support of international donors, the museum's creation continued even during the full-scale invasion.
Its opening was attended by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalinska, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi, his First Deputy Yevhen Kudriavets, and the President of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Stanislav Dovhyi. The event was also attended by the winners of the final stage of the Ukrainian Mathematics Olympiad from all regions of Ukraine. The event was organized by the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
During the opening, the President of Ukraine spoke with students who showed the best results in the Ukrainian mathematics olympiad.
"Undoubtedly, the consequences of the war and the challenges have slightly delayed the opening. However, this shows that Ukraine is alive, science is alive, and despite all the challenges, we are moving forward," said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Why is the opening of the museum important for Ukraine today?
The Mathematics Museum and its educational program for children and teachers will help overcome significant educational losses caused by the war and systemic problems in studying mathematics:
- 42% of Ukrainian teenagers did not achieve the basic level in mathematics according to PISA 2022 results.
- 132.5 — the average score for the 2024 NMT in mathematics, the lowest among mandatory subjects.
- Only 36% of mathematics teachers who underwent certification were able to confirm their knowledge.
"Overcoming educational losses is critical for Ukraine's future because without quality mathematical training, the country risks losing engineers, architects, designers, and other specialists needed for rebuilding the state. This goal was set back in 2021 when our previous team at the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine initiated the creation of the Mathematics Museum. Now, in the face of deepening educational losses, we have a new tool to adress them. I thank everyone who worked together on this project," said Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi.
How will the museum help overcome educational losses in mathematics?
In addition to its exhibitions, the Mathematics Museum will offer educational programs for two main groups — educators and children. These programs will be available both in-person at the museum and online for anyone interested.
"The Mathematics Museum is a unique space that combines six thematic and four educational zones for students and teachers, as well as 120 interactive exhibits. Many of them were collected from all over the world when we worked at the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. We want the museum to be accessible to all regions of Ukraine. Therefore, in addition to the physical space, it will offer online activities, and in the future, we plan to launch a mobile exhibition with an educational component," said First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Yevhen Kudriavets.
The museum will offer the following opportunities:
For students:
- Learn theory through touch and interaction with exhibits.
- Fill knowledge gaps with special online programs developed by educators and scientists.
- Develop critical thinking, logic, and spatial imagination.
For teachers:
- Special courses and training on implementing interactive methods in teaching.
- A space for conducting classes, workshops, and masterclasses.
- A professional environment for experience exchange and professional development.
"Mathematics is not just numbers and formulas, but a tool for understanding the world. It is hidden in music, art, nature, and technology. 'Cuboid' is not just an educational space, but a place where mathematics becomes an adventure, where it can be seen, felt, and applied. Here, you'll discover that mathematics is everywhere!" commented Stanislav Dovhyi, President of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Currently, the space is operating in a test mode. The first schools, whose students won the Ukrainian Mathematics Olympiad this year, will get access to the museum. During the test period, the first classes for children and teachers will be held. From May 1, the Mathematics Museum will be open to all visitors.
Tickets to the museum will be available on the website starting March 18.
The project is implemented by the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with the support of UNICEF Ukraine and Theirworld.