Math Matters

Maths in Sport is quite prominent and a variety of numeracy skills are required to navigate any sport successfully

Some of the numeracy skills required include:

• Measuring & timing (decimals, place value, number order)
• Shapes, space and location (shape and dimensions of playing fields, position on the field) 
• Statistics and data analysis (scoring probabilities, winning streaks, competition ladders)

Are you involved with a local sporting club or just an avid couch participant? Either way a great deal of math learning can be done:

• Have your student participate in the organisation/discussion of setting up of team or field placement
• Have your student assist with scoring or timing of the match
• when watching sports on TV e.g, car racing; discuss the leader positions, timing difference, lap pace etc
• AFL telecasts are full of statistical analyses – great discussion pieces

Julie Chambers

Director of Numeracy