SOLVE NYC, a hands-on puzzle station

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SOLVE NYC is a hands-on puzzle station, with unique, hand-made, and unusual puzzles of all kinds. Designed for New Yorkers of all ages and always free, elements include:

  • Tangrams and other puzzles that challenge people’s math and spatial reasoning abilities;
  • printed cards with activities conceived by mathematicians, scientists, and other organizations;
  • puzzle books;
  • a custom-designed cart that stores, moves, and displays the collection (which can be closed and locked in place), and eight benches for seating;
  • staff to set up and run the program (one program staff member and one manager);
  • an option for other organizations to participate by adding special collections and activities.

Here’s what happens: people see the puzzles on display and approach, drawn in by their curiosity. As they explore and attempt each puzzle, groups of people gather around and cheer them on. People love the experience of challenging themselves and engaging in something that is hands-on and non-digital. This program has been deployed only once before (to Putnam Triangle Plaza in Brooklyn in 2017), but is ready for more.

Founding Sponsor:

Blog posts about SOLVE NYC:

How the Uni works at play streets in the Bronx

How the Uni works at play streets in the Bronx

Today, we brought the Uni to a great play street in the Bronx run by Caldwell Programs. As I promised everyone last week, I brought along some new math puzzles today. Learn more about our ongoing effort at play...

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Uni READ, DRAW, SOLVE at Jennings Play Street in Bronx

Uni READ, DRAW, SOLVE at Jennings Play Street in Bronx

This summer, we are once again deploying to play streets in Harlem and the Bronx. Today, I worked one of our favorites, run by Caldwell Programs in Morrisania. I hung out, and took some photos, let the kids take photos, and gathered feedback for our new...

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