Bringing Math into the Classroom.

The other day I read about a third grade teacher who organized her classroom to resemble a veterinarian clinic with several math stations.  Each station provided a different aspect of the math involved in the field of veterinary clinic.

I realized there is no reason, high or middle school teachers should not invite representatives from the bank, a store, the sewer department, the police, or any business to come in and speak to students on how math is used in their jobs.

We have a man who is in charge of the water and sewer department who is always willing to come in to explain the math involved in his job.  It's amazing on how much they have to monitor in the sewer department as they move waste and process it.  Out here, most of the wastes are moved using suction through pipes on the ground.  I don't think we have any buried pipes because the ground freezes.  They also have to keep something running through the pipes to keep them from freezing.  

He is always willing to talk about all of that.  He brings manuals to show the information they use to keep the system running.  He is also great about discussing how he has to keep passing certain math tests to move up the management ladder.  The more classes he passes, the more responsibility he gets.  Its cool.

We don't have any banks out here but I could have the manager of either of the stores come in to discuss the math they use.  They have to order supplies in and if they want the bigger items like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers, they have to figure out shipping via the barge.  They can explain how they calculate the price mark-ups so they make a profit.

There is a local engine repair place who charge a per hour fee plus supplies.  Someone could explain how they arrive at an hourly cost for their labor and how they price the parts.  The business also offers to help people purchase boats and four wheelers (ATV's) and the representative could explain how that works mathematically.  

The only other business of any consequence is the health clinic manned only by health aides.  It would be possible for one to visit and explain how they use mathematics in their jobs.  I know its used when they calculate how much medicine to administer medicines among other things.

In most places, there are so many more businesses to call to see if anyone would be willing to visit your classroom to discuss the math they use.  Most places have access to Insurance companies, larger stores, gas stations, movie theaters, doctors, lawyers, temporary agencies, etc.  

This would add a touch of reality to the mathematics we teach in school.  It can help them see how mathematics is found in the world around them and exists everywhere.  Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.