Here at Math-Whizz we think it is vitally important to remember that math is not only all around us but fun as well, which is perhaps why we love to say we’re bringing about Happiness in Numbers! To that end I would like to share some posts and videos from around the web that remind us just how fun, interesting and applicable math is.
The first comes from a new blog called Social Dimension written by Samuel Arbesman, who promises to write “a blog devoted to the math behind understanding society and civilization.” We are, not surprisingly, quite intrigued. Thus far Arbesman has produced some great reads – and just today has posted “The Mathematics of Lego,” a must read for any self identifying geek (perhaps not coincidentally, our colleagues in the UK had Maths-Whizz days at Legoland this past summer)! Arbesman describes a paper by Mark Changizi in which Lego sets are examined as systems unto themselves, and also explains how lego pieces relate to power law. It’s not exactly elementary material, but it wouldn’t take much to create a great hands on math activity for elementary students using Lego or wooden colored blocks. Here is a link to some ideas to get you started.
And for you music lovers out there I couldn’t resist sharing The Geek Playlist: Math Edition from Alex Knapp at Forbes, I hope your headphones are nearby! Finally, no post on math and fun would be complete without some reference to Angry Birds – so, in just over 9 minutes you can learn all about algebra and Angry Birds.
About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.