On Wednesday the 5th of June, IB and HSC maths students (including myself as a Year 11 Maths Extension Student) were lucky enough to attend the “Do the Maths” day at the University of NSW. It is a day program designed specifically for girls as a means to highlight the impact we can have on the world by working in diverse roles aligning with maths and statistics, closing the gender gap of females working in these jobs. It is of course also about the importance of mathematics and the role it can play in all realms of not only careers but also in the application to real world scenarios.
We hopped on the bus at 7.30am, switching on our mathematical brains ready for the day ahead! The day consisted of an enlightening and inspirational speech presented by the key presenter Karen Willcox, director of the Oden Institute for Computing and Science; Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering; University of Texas at Austin.
Next up was the hands-on Maths carnival. Each booth consisted of a different real-life application or theory which allowed us all to dive further into the depth of maths such as: the 4 colour theorem, maths involved in cyclones, interrelations between virtual reality and maths, stats used in medical disease research and much more. I found this a chance to gain insight in a wide range of settings, understanding and applying the different mathematical techniques in such an engaging manner.
To further this newly gained knowledge, we had the ability to work in groups with a mentor to figure out different mathematical problems such as Counting Conundrums. Through each one we started to see a pattern of how different mathematical techniques can be applied across different realms and the importance of teams to solve these questions.
To rejuvenate our brains from the intuitive maths, each group was taken around the campus on a tour with a current UNSW student who gave us the inside information of life on campus as well as the different learning spaces and university habits.
Lastly, a Q&A session was held with current and recent graduates of mathematics and statistics. It gave me greater insight into different courses and also how you can apply your interest into a mathematical course, such as doing marine statistics, or doing an honours year where you can explore a topic of your own choosing, so that you can pursue a personal passion.
I found the day intriguing and thought-provoking as well as enabling me to grow my understanding of university life and the multifaceted nature of mathematics!
Thank you to Kambala and the UNSW for providing us with such an opportunity.
Lucea Benko
Year 11 HSC Maths Extension Student