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Maths Trains Brains

Five resources to build positive maths mindsets in Years 9-10

Having a positive mindset can help improve outcomes and understanding in all aspects of your teen’s learning. Packed with profound lessons, inspiration and real-life stories about resilience, problem solving and perspective, these resources can continue to support a positive mindset towards learning and mathematics.

Grit: The Power Of Passion And Perseverance

Developed by TED Talks. Speaker: Angela Lee Duckworth.

Leaving a successful career in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching maths to Year 7. She quickly realised that IQ wasn't the only thing that mattered in supporting students to experience success with mathematics. In this TED talk, Angela explains her theory of "grit" which might help you talk with your teen about the critical importance of perseverance and resilience when you’re learning.

Mathematics Is The Sense You Never Knew You Had

Developed by TEDxSydney. Speaker: Eddie Woo.

In this engaging and insightful talk for TEDxSydney, mathematics teacher Eddie Woo explores the mathematical realities woven into the fabric of the universe – from lightning bolts to river deltas to blood vessels. Eddie makes the bold statement that we are all born to be mathematicians - let his joy and passion for learning inspire you and your teen to consider mathematics as a whole new way to see the world.

Richard Turere: My Invention That Made Peace With Lions

Developed by TED Talks. Speaker: Richard Turere.

In the community where Richard Turere lives with his family, cattle are vital to their way of life, but lion attacks can put an entire family’s herd and future at risk. In this TED talk, you’ll learn how Richard used maths to invent and design a solar-powered solution that safely scared the lions away and continues to protect his family and their livelihood. Enjoy this story about how maths helped Richard and his community, and illustrate the power of problem solving and grit with your teen.

The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour Of Mathematics, From One To Infinity

Written by Steven Strogatz.

Have you ever wondered why mathematicians love maths? In each chapter of this book, Strogatz explains why maths is helpful, inspiring and lovable, with clarity and humour. This book can help your teen see the links between maths and literature, philosophy, law, medicine, art, business, even pop culture and current events. Now these are some ideas worth knowing!

Careers In Maths

Developed by Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI).

We know having a positive mindset can help improve outcomes – let this resource inspire your teen to achieve a long-term mathematical goal. Discover the mathematics from gene mapping to zoo keeping, dancing, nursing and building… whether you’re protecting forests, fighting fires or dreaming up robots. The AMSI website has over 25 clips that highlight maths and STEM skills in a variety of career pathways.

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