Meeting Abstract
Many children struggle with spatial reasoning and 3-dimensional geometry. However, these subjects are particularly amenable to hands-on exploration and visualization, and have numerous practical applications. These qualities can be a hook for students who believe they are “not good at math” to challenge that belief. We present a series of outreach activities derived from our own research interests in imaging and morphology aimed at 6th-grade students in North Carolina public schools. These activities are about biological subjects, but in fact satisfy several curriculum standards for mathematics. Students generate and test hypotheses using real, common objects to develop their geometrical intuition. Students have had a great time with these activities, which we have refined in consultation with practicing primary school teachers. Detailed lesson plans will be available at the poster session under a share-and-share alike license model – that is, take the lessons home to use, share, and modify for your own outreach!
