Sharjah: While tackling algebra, fractions and geometry is a nightmare for many children, a new travelling maths exhibition is aiming to change children’s views about the subject.
The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) in collaboration with Raytheon International is hosting the interactive exhibition titled ‘MathAlive’ for students aged 7-14 years-old at the Sharjah Science Museum.
The 465-square metre exhibition is set to travel through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries over the next five years with the aim of using interactive approaches to explain ‘complicated’ maths concepts to students.
“The exhibit brings to life the ‘real’ maths behind the things young people love most — video games, sports, robotics, music and more,” said Robert Koch, Vice-president of Communications at Raytheon at a press briefing.
Designed to capture the imagination of young students, the exhibition also aims to inspire young students in the region to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and encourage them to pursue related careers.
“In this era of global competitiveness, maths is a foundation of innovation … and a stepping stone toward rewarding science and technology careers,” added Koch.
Manal Ataya, Director-General of SMD, also highlighted that while she struggled with maths at school and hoped to never have to solve another problem after she graduated, she now realises maths is everywhere.
“Maths is all around us, at work and in our everyday life — I realised that we can’t run away from maths and most importantly, we don’t have to,” she said. Manal also emphasised the need for schools to use more appealing approaches to teach maths, to uncomplicated the subject for students, making it both fascinating and fun.
“Encouraging our youth to be more involved in mathematics and science is essential for the advancement of our country,” she added.
The exhibition is in both Arabic and English and will end on January 12.
