This morning we visited the Garden of Archimedes, which is a museum for mathematics. We saw many different geometrical contraptions revolving around hyperbolas, parabolas, circles, and ellipses. It is important to note that the “garden” aspect is figurative. We learned that there are more efficient ways to transport items by knowing the properties of these shapes. We also learned how these shapes interact with objects.
We also had our own time to explore the various activities and contraptions.
At the Galileo museum we saw many wondrous, strange and exquisite objects and instruments, the likes of which included telescopes, sextants, electrometers and chemistry kits. We even saw the preserved index finger of Galileo himself, as well as one of his teeth – the display was located in the center of the first floor, along with some other contraptions belonging to the Medici Collections.
Galileo’s fingers and tooth
On the second floor, we witnessed more grotesque sights, such as a model of a cut open fetus with a baby attached to it via its umbilical cord as well as many antiquated surgical instruments. Overall, we found this segment of our journey fascinating, and we would encourage others to also engage in this experience should they have the opportunity to do so.
After a long week, we were surprised with a special dinner. We were served caprese salad, pasta for a first course, beef for main dish, and pound cake with chocolate for dessert. It was so nice to catch up with everybody after a long day of being separated at museums, free time, and a lot of gelato. What a great end to an amazing Intensive Learning. We would like to thank Mrs. Smith and the rest of the chaperones for planning this fantastic trip and making this a journey we will never forget.
