The Mathematics Garden
Following the transformation of the access, pathways and fencing at the south-eastern end of our school grounds, we have realised the installation of our Mathematics Garden with the support of a $20,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Local Schools Community Fund and donations from members of our school community. The Mathematics Garden provides highly engaging alternative activities for students and creates a greater interest and focus on mathematical concepts and exploration. It provides an outdoor classroom whereby teachers and classes can explore these concepts more easily and thus provide an innovative way of learning mathematically.
The Mathematics Garden is an important element of our Learnscapes vision, considering inclusive play, educational practice, community use, sustainability, and aesthetics.
An important feature of this garden is that it caters for all students. We have extensively researched mathematical gardens in primary schools and this type of integrated, student design is a truly innovative idea.
There is a variety of different types of mathematical play areas, from interactive panels which create challenge and expand play, to painted surfaces on asphalt which encourage collaborative games of symmetry and mathematical wonder. There are games of logic and a table for chess, pictures which celebrate mathematical patterns in nature, and a ‘geometry’ arch will be installed soon. In the shady trees, students hunt for mathematical signs, and they can sit and relax under the ‘prime’ tree. The students can measure their height vertically or horizontally, and play mirror image and counting games. They can use the street signs to locate the distance and direction of the state capitals. Very popular features chosen by the students include a footy target board, and a ‘dart board’ which is located between the Banksia and Violet buildings. The Mathematics Garden exists to not only assist student learning but also to make it fun.
The design process has been undertaken by students in consultation with students, staff and the school community which has built student involvement and ownership. In 2020, the Year 6s were privileged to have the opportunity to participate in a Zoom conference with the Prime Minister, Mr Scott Morrison. Students asked their own questions of Mr Morrison, and it was also a great opportunity to discuss the construction of the Mathematics Garden.
Below are some thoughts from our Year 6 students:
"I think the Maths Garden is a really creative idea to get students learning about maths through hands on play." Evelyn 6CH
"The target is my favourite and I also like the long jump. I think it’s great for the school as kids can play using maths at lunch time." Alex 6C
"I feel it’s a great addition to the school and it helps students learn more about maths." Adesh 6CH
"I think it’s really cool so kids have a lot of interesting things to do. It’ll help me with maths too." Alexia 6C
"It’s really good to have new stuff – my favourite is the dart board." Najim 6T
"It’s cool. I really like the Connect 4 and the many different activities. The bean bag toss where you can add and subtract numbers is fun." Indie 6CH
EHPS Buildings and Grounds Committee
