We have been working together to create hands-on construction activities that result in beautiful art objects which provide math inspiration in classrooms. Our work blends mathematical depth with artistic sensibility, which has helped us create educational experiences to inspire students and teachers. Coming from both ends of the educational spectrum --- university and primary --- we have combined our love of art and math in a way accessible to all. In this presentation, we will talk about our educational goals and methods and lead a hands-on construction activity in which participants will collaborate in assembling a giant mathematical sculpture. For more information, see http://MakingMathVisible.com

Bios: Elisabeth Heathfield is a certified teacher and an artist with in-depth experience running math workshops at the middle and elementary school levels. For the 2015/2016 academic year, she was a visiting scholar at Stony Brook University where she conducted research into early math education. She is interested in exploring the connections between math and art and how hands-on construction activities can change children's mindsets about mathematics. Elisabeth has created and managed a weekly after-school STEAM club, as well as community math nights and Celebration of Mind events for Martin Gardner's birthday. She has given math-education workshops to teachers at Lakehead University, at the OAME Conference, at the MIT Museum, and various NY City schools. Elisabeth has a B.A. in Visual Art from OCAD University, a B.Ed. from Lakehead University, and an M.A. from Norwich University of Art. She is also a practising artist whose work has been exhibited in Canada, England, Italy, and the US and has taught fine art classes at various institutions in Ontario.

George Hart is a sculptor and applied mathematician. Whether he is slicing a bagel into two linked halves or leading hundreds of participants in an intricate geometric sculpture barn raising, he always finds original ways to share the beauty of mathematical thinking. An interdepartmental research professor at Stony Brook University, he holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. His background in math, engineering, and education has enabled him to design many hands-on activities and to lead workshops around the world. George is an organizer of the annual Bridges Conference on mathematics and art and the editor for sculpture for the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. His research explores innovative ways to use computer technology in the design and fabrication of his artwork, which has been exhibited widely around the world. George co-founded the Museum of Mathematics in New York City and developed its initial set of hands-on exhibits. He also makes videos that show the fun and creative sides of mathematics. See georgehart.com for examples of his work.