The world can look different when viewed through the lens of mathematics. That was the idea behind the “Viewing the World with Maths Eyes” competition in Austria, which challenged students to find and document examples of math in their everyday lives.
The competition, which was organised by the Institute of Mathematics Education at Johannes Kepler University Linz, in cooperation with the Pedagogical University of Upper Austria and the Private Pedagogical University of the Diocese of Linz, aimed to encourage students to explore the practical uses of math and to develop a new appreciation for the subject.
Participants were asked to submit photos, videos, and other visual representations of mathematical concepts that they encountered in their surroundings. The entries were divided into three age categories: 6-10 years, 10-14 years, and 14+ years.
The competition received a great response, with more than 1,000 submissions from schools across the country. The entries ranged from simple geometric shapes to complex mathematical concepts like fractals and the Fibonacci sequence. The winners were featured in a catalog, which was made available to the public.
One of the goals of the competition was to help students understand the practical applications of math in the world around them. By seeing math in their everyday lives, students could better understand the subject and develop a new appreciation for its value. The competition also aimed to make math more accessible and engaging for students, in the hopes of encouraging more students to pursue math-related careers in the future.
The competition was well-received by both students and teachers. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore math in a new way, and many reported developing a newfound appreciation for the subject. Teachers also praised the competition for its ability to engage students and make math more accessible and engaging.
The “Viewing the World with Maths Eyes” competition serves as a reminder of the practical uses of math and the value of teaching students to view the world through a mathematical lens. By encouraging students to see math in their surroundings, educators can help students develop a new appreciation for the subject and inspire them to pursue math-related careers in the future.