Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month

Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month During the month of April, the Huntington Learning Center is celebrating Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. This annual, nationwide event aims to increase the understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. These two subjects play an important role in tackling pressing problems of our time, such as the data deluge, internet security, curing and treating diseases, and other worldwide issues. Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month began in 1986 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation to establish National Mathematics Awareness Week. His goal was to encourage the study and utilization of mathematics and remind Americans of the importance of this basic branch of science in our daily lives. The celebration is a collaborative effort of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America and the Society for Industrial Applied Mathematics. Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that Huntington has proudly celebrated Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month for many years. Were delighted to once again join educators, students, schools and other groups in elevating discussions about maths importance for the progression of our economy and society, says Huntington. When working with children who are struggling with math or want to get ahead in the subject, we remind them why math knowledge is essentialnot just in school, but in life. Were pleased to join in this annual event and to encourage the families we serve to do the same. Huntington reminds parents to show their children that mathematics and statistics are a part of daily life and many things they do and enjoy. She offers these tips: Talk about careers that require math and statistics knowledge. Have your child estimate the bill whenever you shop or dine out at a restaurant. Have your child help you calculate weekly statistics during fantasy football season. Have your child maintain the family checkbook or family budget. Talk about the role that math/statistics has played in major events like space shuttle launches and sharp rises and falls of the stock market. Show your child sports statistics online or in the newspaper and have your child track his or her favorite athletes or teams data. Create graphs to track fun family data, such as the weekly height of everyone in the family, the amount of snowfall or rainfall throughout the year, or the number of times your family eats out in a year. Anytime you cook, get your child involved in measuring ingredients, checking temperature and setting timers. Plan a family road trip, and have your child calculate drive time, planned mileage, estimated cost of gas and more. Open a bank account for your child, encourage your child to earn and save money, and talk about the concept of interest. Make predictions and talk about how statistics are used to make all kinds of predictions, like developing weather forecasts and analyzing stocks. To learn more about Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, visit www.mathaware.org.