Deciphering Mathematical Lingo

Abstract

Math often seems like a far-off subject that both students and adults have a burning dislike for. Moreover, most students could never imagine sitting down to read mathematical journal articles, let alone find enjoyment or interest in them. In this activity, students will engage with material from articles relating to “Magic Polygrams” and about their numbers and relations. These are simply shapes that have numbers specifically placed in them where all the rows and columns of numbers will have some specific property. According to “The Effects of Classroom Mathematics Teaching on Students' Learning”, opportunities are the number one reason that students can either continue in their studies, or the lack of opportunities causing them to drop these types of programs. It is the goal of this project to then create an opportunity for teachers to share high level mathematical content with their student and increasing their opportunity and exposure to the content.