By April Leithner

Why do we learn math?

If you ask this question to a child, you’re likely to get one of three answers:

1. “To go to college.”
2. “To get a good job one day.”
3. “Because we have to.”

But is this all there is to mathematical education?

Could it be that mathematics is only a gauge of intelligence and a tool only useful for “money-making” fields? Is the sole purpose for children to learn mathematics – from kindergarten through college – to be that they can be deemed successful in the global economy?

Amongst all of the debate on education in our public schools, most will agree on a simple answer to these questions: Of course not.

Math is a Mindset

Math is not about numbers. It’s not about addition or subtraction, or algebra or geometry. It’s not about homework or exams, or stressful word problems. It’s not about measuring how “smart” someone is.

The true nature of mathematics is about analyzing the world around us, recognizing patterns and exercising an inquisitive mindset to formulate and solve problems.

Being a mathematician isn’t a career; rather, it’s a mindset that explores, reasons, and solves meaningful problems. We exercise this mindset every day, whether we are building a kite, composing a song, altering recipes while maintaining proportions, and even when we play games and solve puzzles. This mathematical mindset isn’t reserved for “grown-ups”; children of any age can develop and utilize the same skills of exploration, reasoning, and deduction.

Math in Public Schools

However, the mathematics that students learn in school severely lack ability to help children develop such a mindset. With increasing emphasis on exams and “accountability”, children are being pushed more than ever to memorize facts of mathematics because the amount of memorization is measurable. But state-wide assessments aside, mathematical education has traditionally only focused on the tools of mathematics, such as numbers, geometry, arithmetic, times tables, and algebra. But without a holistic understanding of how to use such tools in a meaningful application, students are shortchanged from the development of natural problem solving skills that are critical in any field, at any age.

Mathematics is a crucial component of every student’s education because the true essence of mathematics is about analyzing challenges and reasoning solutions. But when we hear the word “math” and we think of numbers, exams, state-wide assessments, and correlations between grades and intelligence, we lose sight of what a mathematical education genuinely needs to be and why it’s important for every student.

Enriching Math Education in Ithaca

Family Math is an organization in Ithaca whose mission is to alleviate the anxiety and discouragement in math education by creating enriching and empowering mathematical learning opportunities for children of all ages and backgrounds.

By offering learning experiences where children can design, build, and create in meaningful applications including music, art, science, computers, games, and puzzles, Family Math gives students the opportunity to explore Mathematics in a more playful way, developing their own intuitive understanding for how the puzzle pieces of the world fit together. Students explore math from the outside-in, starting with the applications of mathematics and exploring how we combine the skills and tools of mathematics to accomplish self-defined goals that have meaning to us and the world. Family Math offers a number of programs that offer these opportunities, including Summer Math Camps, After School Enrichments, and Family Math Nights. 

Ithaca College Math Day : November 7th

On November 7^th, Family Math is hosting a Family Math event with the Ithaca College Math Department for parents and children to engage in math exploration together at the annual IC Math Day.

IC Math Day welcomes all elementary school children and their entire families to come together for a day of mathematical exploration in fun, hands-on activities that will spark curiosity and engaging conversations for learners of all ages.

The event will offer;

• logic board games
• challenging puzzles
• computer and craft art
• programming workshops
• Marshmallow Geometry
• and more!

IC Math Day is not only a wonderful experience for parents and their children to explore mathematics together, but it also can spark influence for parents to bring mathematical ideas to their home to keep their children engaged in positive math exploration every day.

IC Math Day goes from 10am-1pm and is held on the 3^rd floor of Williams Hall, just next to the Campus Center of Ithaca College. The event and the parking are entirely free.

Mark Your Calendars : IC Math Day

November 7^th

IC Math Day, 10am-1pm

at Williams Hall of Ithaca College.

Join us with your families and an open mind ready for mathematical exploration!

Be sure to also check out FamilyMath.org for more information about Family Math and Math Days, as well as to contact Family Math with any questions.