Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/934716
Math & Science "Math is a universal language, and both math and science teach us universal truths," says Ulrik Bédos, Grade 6 and 7 math and science teacher at the West Campus. Learning math also trains the brain to follow or action a sequence of events or, as M. Bédos says, "It's coding humans to do more and more complex SURFHVVHVµ7KLVWUDLQLQJWDNHQIDUWKHUDÀHOG is one that a surgeon might undertake. Science, on the other hand, develops broad DQGGHHSDZDUHQHVV´6WXGHQWVOHDUQWR respect all living forms – not just humans, but every living thing." And out of that respect, "they learn that they have a responsibility to take care of the world around them," he says. 6WXGHQWVDOVROHDUQWKDWVFLHQWLÀFSULQFLSOHV such as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, are citizenship principles that can be both observed and practised at school and beyond. In terms of fostering students as individuals and citizens, M. Bédos believes that learning math and science uniquely empowers them to push boundaries. "They develop the understanding that they can go out on a limb, that they can decide what they want to do, that they are capable and in charge of their lives," he says. Ulrik Bédos, teacher Beatrice M., student For Beatrice M., a Grade 7 student in M. Bédos' class, the importance of math is a no-brainer: "It has to do with everything in life, everything you do. How else would you know if you had enough change to buy something, or do your taxes?" Aside from practical purposes, Beatrice sees math and science as a means "to help people and the animals on our planet, and to work with people to help others." To that end, this geometry buff has learned how to use a 3-D printer to create objects, and is right now working on creating an animated ÀOPXVLQJJHRPHWULFVKDSHV Beatrice also likes how math helps her develop certain skills, like persevering WKURXJKFKDOOHQJHVDQGOHDUQLQJWRÀQG the important parts in a situation – for instance, in a long question, determining what really matters. 13 TFS ENTRE NOUS 2018