As your child’s maths learning continues in high school, they may wonder how they can use what they’re learning in their future. These five resources will help them appreciate the part maths plays in coding, magic tricks, music and the natural sciences.
Developed by Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI)
Since maths underpins so much of our lives, it makes sense that having fun with coding reveals some hidden, and not so hidden, mathematical ideas and skills. This inspirational video about Ally Watson – the co-founder of Code like a girl – can take your teen on a mathematical journey into the tech world.
Developed by TEDEd. Speaker: Natalya St. Clair.
How did a musician who was losing his hearing write some of the most amazing music? By using maths! This fascinating video examines the patterns in Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and how he used mathematics to construct his many, moving pieces of musical work.
Developed by AMSI. Speaker: Karlie Noon.
This is the inspiring story of Karlie Noon, the first Indigenous Australian in New South Wales to complete a double degree in maths and physics. She is currently researching for a Master’s in the field of Astrophysics. Her story reveals how as a mathematician, perseverance and curiosity are everything.
Written by Persi Diaconis and Ron Graham, and foreword by Martin Gardner.
Magic powered by maths? Of course! Your child can learn a collection of card tricks from this book - and the mathematical ideas behind them. It has step-by-step instructions and ideas around enhancing their performance skills. There’s also an explanation of shuffling, the “Three-card-Monte” trick, and information about some magicians in history who have who used maths. A magician might never reveal the secrets behind his or her tricks, but here’s a hint: there’s often maths involved!
Written and illustrated by Steve Richards.
Help your child relax and investigate mathematical ideas at the same time. This colouring-in book explores the ‘The Golden Ratio’ and other mathematical patterns that can be found in nature, art and architecture. The intersection of maths and art is also depicted through fractals, mandalas and tiles, all while colouring in.
