Math + Making: Exploring Digital Fabrication to Improve Mathematics Education in Middle School FabLabs

• In Event: 68.062 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 68.062-1 - Participation and Adaptation Through Learning Technologies

Abstract

Drawing from theories such as Papert’s Constructionism, this paper explores the intersection between mathematics and hands-on learning via making using digital fabrication. This paper highlights the Maker Movement, a growing international phenomenon that embodies tinkering, inventing and innovation in local communities. Additionally, this paper emphasizes middle school students’ mediocre performance in mathematics and science in the United States, the lack of understanding in what a career in technology means, and the eventual disheartened attitude to pursue a STEM career. To address these problems, this research project focuses on mathematics education at the middle school level, and how the introduction of digital fabrication into traditional mathematics lessons could be a game changer in student and teacher engagement in the classroom.

Author

• Monica Miaoxia Chan, Stanford University