Family Day at the National Academy of Sciences

Sunday, June 12, 2022, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

NAS Building, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W.

Free. Photo ID and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are required. Masks are optional.

Read more details about our COVID-19 vaccination policy below

Join Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) for an afternoon of family fun. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore Mathemalchemy, an installation celebrating the beauty and creativity of mathematics. Participate in a variety of hands-on and storytelling activities based upon the installation. Go on a self-guided polyhedra treasure hunt, try your hand at sonobe unit origami, make a dodecahedral beacon net, explore infinity through a fun storytelling activity, and more!

Meet several mathematicians and artists known as "Mathemalchemists" involved in the making of Mathemalchemy including mathematician Ingrid Daubechies, best known for the Daubechies wavelet used in digital image compression! Daubechies is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering. Meet textile artist Dominique Ehrmann who collaborated closely with Daubechies and 22 other "Mathemalchemists" to create the installation.

This program is geared for families. Inquiring individuals of any age welcome! Registration is required. Free!

Support for Family Day was given by Rhodes Information Initiative at Duke University.

Transportation: The NAS Building is a 12-15 minute walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro. Several Capital Bikeshare docks are located nearby. Buses that stop nearby include the Circulator National Mall route and Metrobus 31, 32, and 36 routes.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

All visitors to National Academies facilities must be up to date with their vaccinations against COVID-19 per CDC guidance.

Visitors must show their official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (or a digital photo of the card) to the security staff at the NAS Building when they enter the facility. A visitor’s vaccination information will not be recorded or stored by the National Academies; the information will simply be verified to allow them to access the facility. Anyone who fails to present a vaccination card (or its copy) will not be allowed access to our facility.

Children under the age of 5 are currently ineligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but may still enter the NAS Building. For more information about our current vaccine requirements and operating status, please visit this page.

Questions? Email us at cpnas@nas.edu