SANFORD — When am I ever going to use this stuff? It’s a question teachers hear on a regular basis during math classes.
On Thursday, March 21, students in grades four through six will learn the answer to that question from those who use math on a daily basis when Willard School holds its 3rd Annual Math Fair from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Starting with a rousing kick-off at the Memorial Gym, students will rotate through three different workshops from among the 29 choices. The workshop presenters have collaborated with Willard teachers to develop a 30-minute class that spotlights how math is used in their work. Among the careers featured are engineering, aviation, law enforcement, health care, finance, food and hospitality, athletics and the arts.
Willard teachers are enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring in members of the community to share their expertise with young learners. According to Principal Chuck Potter, the presenters are “experts about their fields” and “teachers are experts about their kids.” The blend helps students see the application of math in a variety of ways, from measurement to geometry, statistics to fractions and more. Previous year’s students have been excited about the real-life learning that takes place, with some saying they will now consider entering the career paths showcased.
Jennifer Daniels, one of Willard’s fifth-grade teachers, chairs the committee that organized the event.
“Every year I look forward to seeing our community come together to give Willard students examples of how math is applied outside the classroom,” Daniels said. “It’s exciting to hear students share their experience of the day and know they walked away with understanding that all jobs require math in different ways.”
The Math Fair presents a unique opportunity for students to hear and learn first-hand about where their math instruction may lead them in the future — a future that can be made brighter through considering how to apply what they learn in school to job choices they make after they graduate.