Mathematics has long been perceived as a subject free of bias and politics. However, math occurs in nature and all cultures use ingrained mathematical concepts to engage in the work and play of living. As cultures are shaped by time and place, so has mathematics education been shaped by the structures and systems of colonialism. Art, which is deeply connected to Math, pushes at the edges and boundaries of culture and place. In this full day excursion, we will explore the math embedded in the displays by Indigenous and Black artists at the Surrey Art Gallery and the place-based math that lives in nature at Bear Creek Park.
Participants will leave with prompts and ideas for inspiring Mathematical Thinking through land-based, artistic, and social justice lenses. Parts of this workplace will take place outdoors, so appropriate weather attire is required. Please bring a sketchpad or notebook and drawing tools.
We will meet outside the Surrey Arts Centre, and start at 9 am. Lunch will be provided for. Contact: Jess Kyle
Jess Kyle is a Numeracy Helping Teacher in Surrey BC where she has taught for 20 years. She is passionate about building connections for all people to math and believes that a numerate society is essential for a just and productive society. She sees math and art as connected sisters in exploring and communicating about our world and is working towards a deep understanding of the decolonization process in math education.
Please note that both in-person and virtual sessions will receive the Zoom information for the virtual keynote 1 day prior to the event.
For questions about tours/excursions and/or virtual sessions, please contact Carolyn Sousa at sousa_c@surreyschools.ca.
