Background:

The Cluster Maths Eyes Project was initiated by the Home School Community Liaison Family Cluster in Dun Laoghaire, Sallynoggin, Loughlinstown, Ballybrack, Cabinteely, Monkstown, and Shankill Co. Dublin. The project aimed to bring mathematics to life and change the perception of mathematics through Dr. Terry Maguire’s Maths Eyes initiative. This project was an educational and fun way of engaging people in the community and making them appreciate the importance of mathematics in their everyday lives.

Implementation:

The project involved three levels of education: Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, and Adult Education Centres. The participants were encouraged to use their Maths Eyes to find the mathematics around them and capture it in a photograph. The photos were judged by Terry Maguire and her team at the ITT Tallaght.

To complement the photo competition, the Maths Trail was mapped out in Kilbogget Park to enable participants to find mathematics in everyday things while walking out and about in nature. The Maths Trail was designed with three levels of questions, making it suitable for students from primary and secondary schools as well as adults. The trail was completed on Thursday 21st March and proved to be a success.

Seapoint Rugby Club provided the venue for the Maths Eyes Project. The Southside Partnership and RAPID supported the project financially. The DLR libraries also provided financial support for the project and planned to exhibit the winning entries in Dun Laoghaire from mid-April. The exhibition toured to other libraries in the area.

Outcome:

The Cluster Maths Eyes Project proved to be a great success as people from different levels of education participated in the photo competition and Maths Trail. The project created awareness of the importance of mathematics and its application in everyday life. The exhibition of winning entries in DLR libraries showcased the diverse ways mathematics can be found in everyday life. The project was well received by the community and provided a unique way of engaging people in mathematics.