In a new math class at HHS, no longer are students required to sit in their seats quietly with pencils. They’re now measuring, building, and moving!
Math In Motion: Design and Build is taught by Mrs.Erika Nelson, a member of HHS’s math department. Nelson teaches this class block three on A-Days, and block three on B-days.
The class is designed to help students, rather than increase their fear of math by pushing them to better understand hands-on math experiences. It’s practical, collaborative, and eye opening for many.
Nelson has been both vocal and passionate about this class focusing on actual real-world problems instead of your typical timed exams.
“I think this is a pretty different take on the basic math class,” Nelson said. “First it is only supposed to be offered to seniors, so the idea is that most students come in with a basic understanding of the math skills. We do a quick shaking off of the dust and then launch into seeing where it is applied.”
Students have been positive about their experience in this class.
“I chose Math In Motion cause it felt like it would be the easiest math class for me since it’s hands on. You don’t really deal with all the letters and unnecessary things the other math classes deal with.” a point of view shared from Abrianna Crowley a student at Hancock Place Highschool who takes the Math In Motion class.
The hope is that Math In Motion would not only improve the overall academic performances of the students in their math classes but increase their overall confidence and mentality about math so less students are discouraged to face it.
The new approach Math In Motion has students take makes a huge difference when students are now able to physically see and experience how math works, it becomes less confusing and makes students more passionate about the class and the work they’ve put into it.
“It’s a lot more hands on, math in real world scenarios,” senior Travis Morehead said. “I’ve been calculating a bill for a restaurant and the cost of food. It’s easier to comprehend because I’m actually doing the math for something.”
In the end Math In Motion is more than just a new way to learn, it helps to remind students and teachers alike that we can combine movement and creativity to help students see math from a different, fresh perspective.
Whether students struggled or already loved the subject, everyone’s walking away with a stronger and new understanding of math.
