Abstract / Synopsis
Mathematics is present in everything we see and do. Sometimes we look past it, looking for some mathematical mystery when the beauty of mathematics is evident in the most obvious ways. One way to engage students to notice connections to mathematics in these everyday objects and events is to direct them in a guided math trail. A math trail is an activity where participants follow a map or guide to various locations while they are encouraged to take notice of connections to mathematical patterns and concepts in the objects around them. An important benefit is that going on a math trail is an outdoor activity, which may help to pique the natural curiosity and interest of its participants in mathematics in a non-traditional and informal environment outside their school classroom. In this article we present a local math trail on our university campus, and offer some suggestions for those interested in creating their own trail. Our overall goal is to encourage students to use mathematical reasoning and to make connections between mathematics and real-world phenomena.
DOI
10.5642/jhummath.IPBY6791
Recommended Citation
Mary L. Dalton & Jennifer Yantz, "Engaging Mathematicians One Step at a Time: Math Trails," Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, Volume 15 Issue 1 (January 2025), pages 109-124. DOI: 10.5642/jhummath.IPBY6791. Available at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/jhm/vol15/iss1/7