Museum of Mathematics can inspire students to help rebuild Ukraine
The museum in Kyiv, supported by Theirworld, is helping to give young people the foundational skills needed to rebuild war-torn Ukraine.
Milana Teodorovych knew that studying maths at school was important. But a trip to the new Cuboid Museum of Mathematics in Ukraine has made her realise just how crucial that knowledge is in the outside world.
“After visiting the museum, I truly believe in the deep and strong connection between our lives and maths,” said the ninth-grade student.
The museum in Kyiv was made possible with support from Theirworld. We collaborated with the Ukrainian government on the project, which is vital because the ongoing conflict has disrupted education for millions, with maths being hit the hardest.
High school student Milana Teodorovych visits the Cuboid Museum of Mathematics in Kyiv
Maths skills are essential for the country to rebuild – inspiring students and providing the educational foundation for future architects, engineers and scientists.
Theirworld President Justin van Fleet said: “Investment in today’s young people will determine the ability of Ukrainians to eventually rebuild their country and form a lasting peace.”
The innovative space allows children and youth to interact with more than 100 simulators, conduct experiments and engage with mathematics through hands-on activities in a playful environment. Milana added: “I was craving to see some of the experiments and examples of maths in real life.”
I’m interested in the IT field, particularly game design. I found it really interesting to set and calculate algorithms.
Anastasiia Soluyanova, ninth-grade student
Ninth-grader Yevhenii Burlaienko said: “The museum visually showed me how interesting maths can be – not just thinking about it but also seeing how it all works. It showed me that maths is not a narrow field but a science with many different paths.”
The museum will also deliver workshops, tutoring and teacher training to help students who have experienced four years of interruptions in their education due to the pandemic and the conflict.
Museum Director Olena Kvachevska said recent national testing showed that mathematics has the lowest average score among compulsory subjects.
Students can have fun while learning about mathematics at the new museum
She added: “We understood that we are not just a space where children will be creative, run around and look at exhibits.
“The main task was to develop educational programs for children and teachers – this is extremely important in the context of war and overcoming educational losses.”
Erika Klepach, a 10th-grade student, said: “I already loved maths before visiting this museum but now I love it even more. It helped us to see clearly how all the processes in maths and even physics work.”