Course reflection

This course has been the one that pushed me to think outside of my comfort zone more than any other. We were introduced to various ancient methods and strategies for doing mathematics, many of which I had never encountered before and had no prior knowledge of. It was both challenging and incredibly eye-opening to explore these unfamiliar approaches like different bases. Beyond the technical aspects, the course also highlighted the beauty of mathematics, showing how many mathematical pursuits originally emerged as ways to explore art, self-expression, and the deeper truths of the world. This perspective gave the subject a richness and depth I hadn’t fully appreciated before. While I had some awareness that there were disputes over discoveries and the credit given for them, I didn’t realize how widespread and frequent these issues were until this course. The history behind mathematical concepts and discoveries added a unique character and narrative to the subject, making it far more humanistic and interesting. This historical context is something that feels missing in typical high school classrooms, where the focus is often on the "how" of mathematics without delving into the "why" or the stories of those who contributed to its development.

Assignment 3 reflection

For our Math History Assignment 3, I believe our presentation went well overall. Raymond and I chose to explore the life of Émilie du Châtelet because we wanted to highlight some of the astonishing contributions women have made to the fields of mathematics and physics. It was fascinating to learn about Émilie's multifaceted life. Through our research, it became clear that she was a woman with an intense passion for knowledge, especially in mathematics, and a deep care for the people around her. We aimed to reflect this in the accompanying art piece. Beyond our own presentation, it was also wonderful to see other presentations showcasing women in STEM, such as Hypatia and Agnesi. I had never encountered these figures before this course, and I believe introducing their histories in a classroom setting could serve as an inspiration to other women

Assignment 3 Document

The link below leads our assignment 3 math history art project

Assignment 3