Maths is much more than boring equations full of numbers!
Mathematics is bursting with shapes, patterns, science, history, art, the list is goes on. so why do we just assume that maths is challenging sums?
Islamic art is a perfect example of how maths links with other subjects. As Eddie explained how angles and shapes fall into this art piece, i was enjoying the maths that i once hated! Everyone, no matter how young or old, are more engaged when they can physically make, play or colour-in. I believe this is a vital fact to remember when teaching a class a subject like maths, that can go one or two ways; enjoyable or fearful.
Geometry- if uni students found it enjoyable, primary kids will love it!
I could honestly say i tried very hard to avoid maths as soon as I walked out of school two years ago. But, stepping back into a module of discovering maths, its brought my realisation that i physically cannot escape the “terrifying fears” that comes with mathematics. No, maths isn’t really that bad. In fact we mainly use maths by doing what we love in our everyday life, playing sports for example, or betting. During our school years we are taught about the simple arithmetic skills all the way up to complex processes of algebra. We may not think we use the complicated formulas in algebra but there are many occasion that we would use the problem solving skills without realising.
History of Mathematics…
“The history of mathematics is nearly as old as humanity itself. Since antiquity, mathematics has been fundamental to advances in science, engineering, and philosophy. It has evolved from simple counting, measurement and calculation, and the systematic study of the shapes and motions of physical objects, through the application of abstraction, imagination and logic, to the broad, complex and often abstract discipline we know today” (Luke Maston, 2010). The simplest of maths has grown over the years to create the complex world we live in today. In the beginnings of agriculture, mathematics helped form civilisation as maths was used to measure acres of land. Without it, it would not be clear of whose land is whose, which is crucially for food source back in time.
Mathematics can range from as simple as setting an alarm clock in the morning to as complex as coding a program for electric devices for example. The possibilities of mathematics is endless and I truly believe we should strive to encourage mathematics in all subjects that we teach and not to fall into the trap of fear. Continuously expressing the relevance of maths is crucial while teaching the young minds of children as they are the future and will go on to use maths as an essential tool.
Luke Maston. (2010). The Story of Mathematics – A History of Mathematical Thought from Ancient Times to the Modern Day. [online] Available at: http://www.storyofmathematics.com/ [Accessed 25 Sep. 2017].
