Math is not number games played by only math nerds. Mathematics in fact closely connects to art, music, engineering, technology and many other applications in real life. This session offers a series of math activities with a focus on specific real-life applications. They were implemented as lesson or project ideas that can be explored in-class with students and aim to enhance their math learning.

Hongmei Zhu: Get inside Photoshop: Spy the Power of Math

Abstract: As many of us are not professional photographers, our pictures sometimes don't come out quite the way as we want to.  Felt Sad? That’s OK. Dig out your not-so-good photos today. Upload them in Photoshop. Let’s apply some math tricks to transform them to something beautiful and memorable. In this talk, we will discover the connection of numbers with digital photos, and explore special functions and their magic in photo editing.

Trang Dang: Teaching symmetry through dance and Kaleidoscope to primary students (DyDaDymmetry)

Abstract:As mathematics educators, we see an opportunity to connect symmetry with our students in the dance movements and beauty of the arts. Perhaps not many people could believe that dance and art share similar learning goals as in some mathematical concepts. The focus in this talk is to challenge primary students to use their knowledge on symmetry to create, innovate, perform and explain certain movements in dance and Kaleidoscope patterns. Math instructors can use this common interest as an opportunity to create a fun and engaging classroom.

Robert Jordan and Hamid Razaghi: High School Modelling Contest In Canada

Abstract: In an effort to promote mathematics and mathematical reasoning, students should be introduced to mathematical modelling at an early age. Students often ask the questions: "Why are we learning about a specific mathematical concept?  How is this related to the real world?"  These questions can be answered by having students participate in a mathematical modelling contest to solve real-world problems that are open-ended and cross-curricular. A problem solving framework for modelling is presented and applied; highlighting key solutions considerations that will help teams to effectively communicate their mathematical reasoning, limitations and assumptions of their model.