Connecting ideas that students learn in the classroom to real-life interests and experiences can be an excellent way to create an engaging learning environment. The Mathematician Mosaic, an initiative by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, offers a unique opportunity to engage students by intersecting history, mathematics, computing, writing skills, and personal interests through a hands-on project. This initiative celebrates the diverse contributions of underrepresented mathematicians and computer scientists. Here are five unique ways that this initiative can assist educators in the classroom:
- Intersects schoolwork with student interests
Students often feel more motivated to do their work – especially projects – when it connects to their personal interests. By connecting these aspects, students can create meaningful work that also feels enjoyable. A student project could focus on the contributions of a mathematician or computer scientist from an underrepresented background to celebrate the accomplishments of influential figures in history.
An example of this project could be creating a poster of someone like Evelyn Boyd Granville – an exceptionally talented mathematician and computer scientist. Granville was the second African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from an American university. She later went on to design software for NASA’s satellites in addition to teaching mathematics and programming. Her profound impact on technology and mathematics continues to inspire. Giving students an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of figures such as Evelyn Boyd Granville will allow them to delve deeper into their own personal interests while still actively learning about mathematics and computing.
- Helping students discover potential careers in Mathematics and Computing
As technology evolves, the demand for STEM jobs continues to grow. The Mathematician Mosaic initiative is a powerful way to motivate students to explore the history behind mathematics and computing and potentially spark a keen interest that could lay the foundation for a future career.
Researching the individuals behind technologies and discoveries plants a seed in students’ minds: that they too, could be in that position one day – regardless of identity or beliefs. It shows students that there is more to life than accomplishments alone. Every influential figure they explore has faced obstacles regarding their studies, societal acceptance, sexuality, and/or identity. By learning about these pioneers and the adversity in their lives, students can recognize their own career path may not be linear – and that’s okay. For example, in the poster featuring Maryam Mirzakhani the students recognized the adversity Mirzakhani faced growing up during the Iran-Iraq war and was told she lacked talent in math as a child. However, regardless of her circumstances, she did not let this deter her and eventually obtained her Ph.D. at Harvard University.
- Exploring real-world applications of Mathematics and Computing
The Mathematician Mosaic initiative has the ability to highlight real-world applications of mathematics and computing, especially in areas such as cryptography, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Students who may have a passion for any of these subjects will have the opportunity to research many underrepresented pioneers. An example of a real-life application from mathematics and computing came from a student-made poster of Alan Turing – one of the founders of the digital computer. Turing was one of the brilliant minds that pioneered the technology that ultimately evolved into things students rely on in their everyday lives. Whether it being a laptop to write their essays, a console to play video games, or even a phone to scroll social media – it all comes back to Turing’s exceptional contributions during World War II.
Through this initiative, students can learn that mathematics and computing isn’t just about numbers on a page. Rather, they are about finding real-world solutions by understanding and using the language of our universe. Furthermore, recognizing the contributions of underrepresented figures in these fields can inspire students to make a difference and empower them to drive change.
- Inspiring students through a shared identity
Providing students the opportunity to learn about someone who reflects parts of their own identity can help them feel more comfortable, recognized, and included both in and out of the classroom. By identifying with someone similar to themselves, students can establish a meaningful role model for their future aspirations and learn that they are extremely capable of whatever they set their minds to. An example of an excellent role model and mathematician was an individual featured on the previous year’s Mathematician Mosaic – Dr. Stephen G. Odaibo. Born into a large family in West Africa, Odaibo aspired to become a basketball player and mathematician. Odaibo undeniably had the odds stacked against him when he travelled to the United States to obtain his education. Through hard work, struggle, and loss, Odaibo became more than what he envisioned, becoming a medical doctor and a full stack AI engineer, all while holding advanced degrees in both computer science and mathematics. Many students may find themselves in a situation similar to Odaibo’s; living far away from education or moving into a foreign country with many aspirations and little guidance.
- Promotes Cross-Disciplinary Learning
The Mathematician Mosaic is an excellent way to teach students that they can develop an understanding and appreciation of their own curiosity across multiple subjects. This initiative promotes cross-disciplinary learning across subjects like mathematics, computing, history, language, and creative arts. It provides an excellent way for students to practice their skills, identify their strengths and weaknesses while fueling their curiosity. Additionally, it provides students with a creative outlet, giving them the opportunity to display what they learned in their own unique way. Last year’s poster on Hypatia is an exceptional demonstration of a student applying their learning across multiple disciplines. The student who created the poster used their creativity, artistic style, and keen interest in history to celebrate Hypatia, who was one of the first ever known female mathematicians. Overall, the Mathematician Mosaic aims to utilize these disciplines to broaden students’ view of the world while simultaneously inviting them to celebrate their differences.
Interested in bringing the Mathematician Mosaic initiative to your classroom? You can participate today! Visit our website to learn more about the poster requirements, instructions, and to access previously chosen posters that have been created by students.
Article by Mateo Melo