Magic Mathworks Travelling Circus

Introduction

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The Magic Mathworks Travelling Circus

This touring maths lab demonstrates
and explores a multisensory approach
to the learning of mathematics.

Our approach is based on the
Multiple Embodiment Principle of Z P Dienes.

When you visit a website you are using your eyes and a finger on a mouse or keyboard to decide what you will see next. This is one learning resource.

When you visit the roadshow you use your whole body and all your senses.

At the roadshow you move in a limited but real world. When you return to your computer, you can extend the range of your experiences beyond what is physically possible.

But experiences in the world of the senses anchor you to your own past as a learning infant and to that of your species.

What is the Multiple Embodiment Principle?

Let's take one concept: the idea that 4 and 6 have common multiples like 12 and 24.

Hands-on exhibits show the same concept in different ways.

Times Chimes
Every 3 hits by the '4' bar player and every 2 hits by the '6' bar player, they hit their bars together.

Gear ratios
Every 3 turns by the '4' wheel and every 2 turns by the '6' wheel, the white lines come parallel.

Experiencing Mathematics through
Sight, Sound, Touch and Movement

Please take a look around the rest of our website.

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