The National Centre of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults in New Zealand, together with the Waikato Literacy and Numeracy Network, has developed the country’s first Maths Eyes trail. The aim of this initiative is to encourage discussions about mathematics and promote positive attitudes towards the subject.

The 1.6km-long trail is free to use and is located on the Waikato University campus. It follows existing pathways and is designed to help people think more freely about maths. The Maths Eyes trail is not intended to be a test but rather an icebreaker for discussions about the subject.

According to Damon Whitten, one of the developers of the Maths Eyes trail, the stigma around not being good at maths is a barrier to success. He hopes that the trail will help to break this stigma and make maths more normalized. Whitten, who is currently working towards a PhD in Maths Education, believes that seeing people relax around maths and find themselves enjoying it is what he likes most about the subject.

The Maths Eyes trail consists of sixteen signs in English and Te Reo Māori that display activities across different levels of ability. The signs point out features in the landscape, encouraging trail walkers to notice and think about the mathematics in their environment and work out real-life maths problems. The trail is designed to serve as a platform for adults and children, teachers and students, and community groups to share their maths eyes.

Professor Diana Coben, who is also involved in the development of the Maths Eyes trail, believes that opening your maths eyes promotes the usefulness and beauty of mathematics. She says that everyone has maths eyes, but they just need to be opened.

The Maths Eyes trail is an innovative way to encourage positive attitudes towards mathematics and promote its importance in daily life. By creating a fun and interactive learning environment, the Maths Eyes trail will help people to see mathematics in a new light and enjoy it more.