What Does it Take to Get Ichiro and Hanako Excited About Mathematics?
Jin Akiyama
Research Institute for Math Education
Tokyo University of Science
ja@jin-akiyama.com
What does it take to appreciate a musical piece? Most people must hear the music played. And if it is played by a full orchestra, then perhaps there will be excitement. What does it take to appreciate a recipe? The dish must be prepared and tasted. If it is beautifully presented and taken in the ambiance of a great restaurant, then maybe there will be excitement. The senses must be engaged. It is the same with mathematics. A mathematical concept can be exciting if it can be represented physically in a model that can be seen, manipulated, and, if possible, heard.