World Maths Day

Since Pythagoreans created the word “mathematics” in the 6th century BC, numbers have been a beneficial and challenging part of life.

Whether the actual crunching of numbers sounds exciting or repulsive, celebrating World Maths Day can be oodles and oodles of fun! Math is believed by many people to be one of the hardest subjects to achieve because of its strictness in needing correct answers, its abstract concepts, and the overall stress involved in succeeding. But don’t let that be intimidating!

For those who struggle with math, World Maths Day is a chance to take your skills to the test, practice math skills, and get involved in a worldwide event that celebrates the history of math to improve the lives of students, parents, and teachers everywhere.

History of World Maths Day

Founded by the Australian educational resource developer, 3P Learning, World Maths Day gives people the chance to take part in the world’s largest online math competition using 3P Learning’s Mathletics engine. In fact, this is one of the largest global educational events on the planet!

According to 3P Learning, Mathletics is used by 4 million students worldwide to better improve their math and become the best students out there in the global market. In addition, it was created with the intention of fostering friendships between children of different cultures as they strive together toward excellence in mathematics.

Each year, 3P Learning offers their international competition as part of their initiative to improve the lives of students and teachers in schools everywhere by beginning with math.

Classes in schools all over the world participate in and host in-class competitions and free access to Mathletics, allowing students to improve their speed and accuracy in their arithmetic and numeracy skills.

First held in 2007, World Maths Day, or World Math Day in American English, was originally celebrated on March 14 (3.14 or sometimes called “Pi Day”) but has since been changed to the first Wednesday in March. An alternative Math Day is also sometimes celebrated in October.

This day provides a special opportunity for education as it allows teachers to download online resources so their math classes can be fun and constructive at the same time, which is a bonus for kids, teachers, and parents alike!

World Maths Day has had participants in over 98 countries, over 38,000 math questions, and has annually over 5 million participating students. At the current moment, the competition is open to schools in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to students ages 4 to 16.

Schools wishing to participate can purchase a subscription on their website and gain access to Mathletics. This important day is now associated with World Education Games, a global event for all schools wishing to improve their student’s education in a variety of subjects.

How to Celebrate World Maths Day

Engaging in math activities is a fun way to enjoy this day by using these tips or some other creative ideas of your own:

Practice Math Problems and Equations Online

Math doesn’t have to be a drudgery–and it can even actually be fun sometimes! Take time this day to refresh and review old knowledge, or brush up on something new in the world of mathematics.

For online help and tutoring resources, check out Khan Academy that offers explanation videos and support. It also provides practice lessons ranging from children in kindergarten to adults in college.

Create Math-Inspired Art

Math is about much more than just addition and subtraction or other numbers on a page. In fact, math (especially geometry) is often a necessary part of a variety of art projects.. Spatial reasoning skills are necessary in both math and art disciplines.

Pablo Picasso is known for using polygons in his artwork to depict scenes or people. Leonardo DiVinci used linear perspective (including parallel lines, vanishing point and horizon line) to create depth on a surface that was flat. And M. C. Escher created fascinating combinations of 3-dimensional illusions using hyperbolic geometry and tessellations in his black-and-white drawings.

To celebrate this day by diving into some art projects that also use math, like a wire sculpture or painting that uses mathematical principles. Even math can be beautiful and inspiring when applied to the life of art!

Get the Local School Involved

Celebrate this day by encouraging your teachers and school supervisors to look into the Mathletics program. This type of event requires a little bit of planning ahead, so be sure to have the conversation with local school representatives a few months in advance.

Join Mathletics as a Family

If you’re a parent, sign up for 3P Learning’s home subscription to encourage your child’s growth at home. If you can’t afford the subscription, take some time to practice math with your child at home. 30 minutes each day can greatly improve their ability to do the math, as math is a cumulative process that builds on basics.

World Record for Maths Day

Curious about how many math competitors have competed against one another at one time? The Guiness World Record for the largest math competition was set on World Maths Day, March 3, 2010 with 1,204,766 participants from 235 countries around the globe. Now that’s a lot of math!

Share this holiday on social media using the hashtag #WorldMathsDay to get your child involved in the global competition and share the importance of math with your friends and family.