The Enigmatic Curse of Mathematical Abstractions: A Deep Dive

The curse of mathematical concepts can be a challenging aspect for many students. Mathematics, as a subject, requires a solid understanding of various concepts and their interconnections. However, the curse lies in the fact that these concepts are often complex and abstract, making it difficult for students to grasp them. One of the main challenges students face is the lack of real-world context for these mathematical concepts. Students often struggle to see the practical application of what they are learning, leading to disinterest and difficulty in understanding the concepts. This can create a negative mindset towards mathematics, further exacerbating the curse.

This can create a negative mindset towards mathematics, further exacerbating the curse. Furthermore, another aspect of the curse is the interconnected nature of mathematical concepts. Often, to understand a particular concept, students need to have a good grasp of prerequisite concepts.

Jon Scieska & Lane Smith – Math Curse and Science Verse

This week I present to you two books that are an interesting mix of nonsense and non-fiction. Math Curse and Science Verse, created by author/illustrator team Jon Scieska and Lane Smith, which, under the pretence of teaching maths and science embark on a fanciful, lyrical voyage into the minds of children as they grapple with concepts that seem to swallow life whole (or is it hole?). The books don’t exactly teach science and maths though there are certainly concepts, terms, numbers and equations in the mix. What they do do is do praise creative and whimsical thinking in combination with maths and science, the combine wordplay with these subjects and show that, with a dash of nonsense and wonder that perhaps… maths can be just a little fun? Afterall, haven’t we all wondered:

How many yards in a neighborhood? How many inches in a pint? How many feet in my shoes?

Both books begin with their respective teachers announcing that everything could be thought of in terms of maths and science, and then the child protagonist’s mind is cursed into viewing everything in terms of one subject or the other.

Now that I’m grown I can see that almost everything comes down to language, maths and science – these three subjects (?concepts, constantly shifting absolutes?) are very much central to everyday life. Ok, I don’t need to do calculus everyday or figure out the elemental structure of objects, but basic maths and sciences creep into life without me even realizing it! When sleeping, walking, cooking, eating, even typing (how fast do I type? how fast does the computer pick up my typing? do I see the words that I type as fast I type them? how fast do I type compared to the slowest typer, the fastest? if I type one thing will it become another type of type? Oh man, these books have cursed me too!). These books poke fun at this simple reality while also satirizing the way that these two subjects are portrayed in school – they don’t need to be concrete and difficult walls to conquer – why not have a bit of fun with them? People who like language can most certainly enjoy maths and sciences too, and vice versa.

Perhaps the one potential negative to these books could be the satirical way that teachers are portrayed (particularly in Science Verse) as boring or dull in the way that they present these (obviously exciting!) subjects. As always there is an edge to Scieska and Lane’s work and the criticism of the education system and/or educators is it. Still, there are plenty of examples of great lesson plans out there on the internets that use these books and I think that when paired with an adult voice, be it aparents or an English, Maths or Science teacher, encouraging kids to think like the protagonists in the books – to get out of that box and jump into the literal – the lesson can be quite valuable. Subjects are taught as separate entities from one another, but life isn’t that simple, these subject interconnect all the time. Breaking down the barriers between subjects may introduce a concept even more important than even blueberry pi.

Essential Questions for students (objectives): How can you look at life through the lens of mathematics?
Supplies: Math Curse by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith, KIQ handout, post-its or journal, computer access, research rubric
Instructional format: Whole group discussion & small group or center work

If they are lacking in understanding of any of these prerequisites, it can become a barrier to comprehending the current concept. This creates a cycle of confusion and frustration for students, leading to a feeling of being trapped by the curse. The curse of mathematical concepts can also be attributed to the lack of hands-on and visual learning experiences. Many students learn best through practical application and visual representations. However, traditional teaching methods often rely heavily on abstract formulas and equations, making it difficult for students to connect with the concepts on a deeper level. Breaking the curse requires a shift in teaching methods and strategies. Incorporating real-world examples and practical applications can help students see the relevance of mathematical concepts in their everyday lives. Additionally, providing hands-on activities and visual representations can make the concepts more tangible and accessible to students. Overall, the curse of mathematical concepts is a challenge that many students face. However, with the right teaching methods and strategies, it is possible to break this curse and empower students to develop a strong understanding and appreciation for mathematics..

Reviews for "The Curse of Incompleteness: The Challenges of Mathematical Concepts"

1. John - 2 stars - I found "The curse of mathematical concepts" to be incredibly dry and difficult to follow. The author seemed more interested in showing off their vast knowledge of math than actually engaging the reader. The book was filled with jargon and complex equations that went over my head. I was hoping for a more accessible and interesting exploration of mathematical concepts, but unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me.

2. Lisa - 1 star - As someone who has always struggled with math, I was hoping that "The curse of mathematical concepts" would provide some clarity and make the subject more approachable. However, I found the book to be extremely confusing and convoluted. The author threw around complex terms and formulas without providing any clear explanations or examples. It felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a book aimed at making math more understandable for the average person. I felt discouraged and frustrated after reading this book.

3. Sam - 2 stars - "The curse of mathematical concepts" was incredibly dense and overwhelming. The author delved into intricate mathematical theories without taking the time to break them down and explain them in a more accessible way. As someone who is not well-versed in mathematics, I struggled to grasp many of the concepts presented in the book. It felt like I was trying to navigate through a maze with no guidance. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is not already familiar with advanced mathematical concepts.

4. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to read "The curse of mathematical concepts" as I have always been curious about the subject. However, I found the book to be unnecessarily complicated and difficult to understand. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their expertise than making the content accessible to a wider audience. The lack of clear explanations and relatable examples made it challenging to follow along. I would have preferred a more beginner-friendly approach to this topic.

The Fading Curse: How Mathematical Concepts Evolve Over Time