July 17, 2025

In the morning we had a rare double-length lecture by Professor Nick Rauh, from the Seattle Universal Math Museum, who introduced the students to the concept of modular origami. They started by constructing a simple box, known as a Jackson Cube, consisting of six identically folded pieces of paper. They then learned how to make a classic “water bomb,” which itself was made of a single piece of paper and thus not modular, but taught them how to make an essential building block for larger constructions. Finally, they made six identical “water bomb“ bases from which they could construct an octahedron, another one of the Platonic solids. It was not easy to weave the pieces together! Once combined, however, the structure was very stable.

Following the fun of the morning's lectures, the group embarked on an enlightening exploration of Princeton University itself. The afternoon was filled with discovery as they toured the historic campus that has nurtured some of the world's greatest minds.

The guided tour commenced at the iconic Nassau Hall, whose imposing Georgian architecture is a testament to Princeton's rich history. The guide shared an interesting detail: the architect, Robert Smith, subtly incorporated his own likeness into the front entrance—a face carved into one of the decorative elements.

As the tour progressed, students delved into the fascinating world of Collegiate Gothic architecture, a style widely adopted by Princeton in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The guide explained how this style, while inspired by medieval Gothic architecture, was adapted to suit the needs of modern universities. Students were intrigued to learn of architects like Ralph Adams Cram, who played a pivotal role in shaping Princeton's distinctive appearance.

The Princeton University Chapel served as a stunning example of this architectural style. Students admired its towering spires, massive arched windows, and intricate stone carvings. The tour also included a visit to Firestone Library, where students learned about its extensive collection spanning over 70 miles of bookshelves. Students appreciated the concept of open stacks,which grants direct access to most library materials. They were also intrigued by the underground expansion, a creative solution that preserves the campus aesthetic while allowing the library to grow its collection.

Following the educational tour, students visited the Princeton University Store. The young mathematicians eagerly explored the aisles, selecting souvenirs to commemorate their visit. The store visit provided a perfect opportunity for students to reflect on the day's experiences and the rich mathematical heritage they had explored. Students also had up to an hour to explore the rest of the town, including the shops on Palmer Square.

After that it was back to campus for dinner and free time for writing, journaling, or other activities. It was quite a day!