What is Math Awareness?
Math Awareness began in 1986 with the following statement from President Ronald Regan:
"Despite the increasing importance of mathematics to the progress of our economy and society, enrollment in mathematics programs has been declining at all levels of the American educational system. Yet the application of mathematics is indispensable in such diverse fields as medicine, computer sciences, space exploration, the skilled trades, business, defense, and government. To help encourage the study and utilization of mathematics, it is appropriate that all Americans be reminded of the importance of this basic branch of science to our daily lives."
It is sponsored by the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (AMS/MAA/SIAM) to enhance awareness in math and science - especially young people and is done through a variety of events and activities usually sponsored by universities and colleges.
Each year a theme is selected and participation in mathematical activities occurs throughout schools, communities, businesses and even at home. This year the theme is 'Mathematics and Art. The integration of mathematics has been evident for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used mathematics in sculptures and building designs. Leonardo da Vinci wrote "Let no one read me who is not a mathematician." Think of the connections to art and design in Gothic cathedrals, mosaics and tiling in buildings and artworks throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century geometric forms were fundamental to the cubists (Picasso) and many abstract expressionists. In recent decades several award winning sculptors have used topology as the basis for their pieces.
Topics that support art and mathematics include: Symmetry, Sculpture, Topology, Tessellations, 2 and 3 Dimensional paintings and sculptures, mathematical illusions, calculation of vanishing points (angles) in art perspective and so much more!
Each year a poster is designed to help support Math Awareness month. The posters are free if you order early. (Shipping charges apply).
When is Math Awareness?
Math Awareness Month occurs during the month of April; although Math Awareness began in America, it is beginning to be celebrated on an international level - to some extent.
What Can You Do?
Find out about all the careers that are related to math.
Establish a goal to improve problem solving efforts in mathematics.
Organize an event in your classroom, school, or community to celebrate math.
Start a math club.
Have a math fair.
Learn all about Mathematics and Art.
Tips for Holding a Math Fair (About Guide Educators 7-12)
More Specifically:
- Analyze work done in art perpectives and name the theorems that justify them.
- Draw to scale
- Analyze the angle and geometric shapes in a variety of artworks and calculate the measurements.
- Move from Geometry to Fractal Geometry
- Geometry through Art
- Identify all the Math connections to Art (Resources)
Be sure to register your planned acitivies to integrate Art with Mathematics here.
For additional guidance to help you select strategies to plan your event, visit the planning site a Math Awareness.
Participate in another mathematics competition.
