中文
HOME
HOME / LATEST NEWS / Content

Middle School Math Department | Stepping into Mathematics: Exploring the Infinite Horizons

December 5, 2024

Mathematics is not just an accumulation of knowledge, but also a bridge to the unknown. To help students experience the charm of mathematics, the 8th-grade math teachers designed a unique project activity. Through inquiry-based, participatory, and interactive learning methods, they helped students understand the practical applications of mathematics. The teachers presented challenging problems in real-life contexts, encouraging students to actively explore and develop problem-solving skills. Throughout the process of mathematical observation, reasoning, expression, and application, students experienced the limitless possibilities of mathematics.

　　

In this challenging yet inspirational project, students began by focusing on three practical and relevant global problems: How can mathematical models be used to effectively prevent the outbreak of flu epidemics? How can we design a tsunami warning system to give people enough time to evacuate? And how can cities ensure the sustainable use of water resources? These topics are closely connected to current global concerns, touching on public health, environmental protection, and more, while aligning with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They highlight the critical role mathematics plays in solving global problems and spark students' curiosity to explore how math can unlock broader real-life challenges.




　　

However, the students' explorations were not limited to the topics themselves. As the research progressed, their thinking expanded, and they courageously delved into the unique applications of mathematics in various other real-world scenarios. In class discussions, students actively explored the far-reaching uses of mathematics in daily life. Some students realized that triangles, are not only a fundamental concept in geometry, play a key role in map design. Through precise triangulation, they help create accurate scaled models, which are essential for navigation and location pinpointing. Other students turned their focus to the mathematical principles behind weather forecasting. By studying meteorological models and applying statistical and probability theories, they learned how weather predictions are made based on the analysis of vast amounts of historical data. Yet another group of students used probability theory to explore the expected value of lottery winnings, unveiling the mathematical patterns behind different betting strategies and providing them with a more rational understanding of randomness. These discussions not only opened students' eyes to the real-world applications of mathematics but also sparked deeper reflection and innovative thinking about how math influences various aspects in life.



As the project progressed, students worked collaboratively in teams, gathering information, analyzing data, and presenting their findings in creative ways. They honed in on logical thinking, communication skills, and developed a greater sense of self-management and innovation. In the end, each group presented their research results through PowerPoint presentations and posters, showcasing how mathematics shapes our everyday lives and transforms the world around us. Outstanding teams were awarded beautifully crafted certificates, but the true reward was in the profound insights students gained into the power of mathematics and its real-world applications.









Through this experience, students not only understood the far-reaching impact of mathematics in the real world but also sparked their spirit of exploration. Mathematics is no longer just a collection of abstract formulas; it is the key to solving real-world problems and the language for understanding the world. The beauty of mathematics lies not only in its logic and methods but in the way it empowers our imagination, enabling us to explore, innovate, and ultimately transform the world around us.





Written by Wei Xu

Pictures by Grade 8 math teachers

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Cong Luo, Emma Hackett