Perhaps one of the best things a parent can do is to get their children interested in math. Why you ask? Because basic math skills are needed for everything, and in our high-tech age the more math that your children, teens, or young adults learn the higher quality of job they will be able to secure. Not to mention the fact that there is a shortage of engineers, computer people, and other high-tech jobs, which will probably go on well into the future.
Having a strong mathematical academic base gives your child the edge for the higher-paying jobs. That’s good news for parents. It means that your child will be successful when they grow up. Now then, the next question is how do you get your children interested in math? Well, that’s easier said than done, and hopefully they will have a really good math teacher after school to help them develop a curiosity for this niche.
Another idea is to create more math museums. And if you happen to live in New York, you are in luck. In fact, there is a gentleman who is building an incredible math Museum. There was a great article in the New York Times Science Section published on June 28, 2011 titled “One Math Museum, Many Variables” by Kenneth Chang. The article stated;
“For everyone who finds mathematics incomprehensible, boring, or pointless – Glen Whitney, a former math professor who used his quantitative skills at a hedge fund wants to prove you wrong. He expects 10s of 1000s of visitors to visit his Museum of Mathematics, opening in Manhattan next year, & leave invigorated about geometry, numbers, & other mathematical notions – we want to expose the breadth and the beauty of mathematics. He quit in 2008 with connections to deep pockets & to make math fun & cool.”
Wow, now that is one man who certainly is on the right mission at the right time for the future of this great nation. You see, students always do better in the classes they enjoy, and the ones they are interested in – once they discover that they like math, or want to learn more, nothing will stop them.
Perhaps Glen Whitney is onto something here. It seems like a wonderful and awesome idea, and if you live in some other state, maybe you might see if your local community is willing to put together such a project. Maybe Glen might sell you a franchise or share with you his concept. Not only will you help your own kids, but everyone else’s in your community as well. Please consider all this and think on it.
