What exactly do mathematicians do?
Mathematicians struggle with unfamiliar problems and concepts, often for extended periods of time. Authentic mathematical insight and understanding do not come quickly or easily. Gaining a meaningful foothold on a concept requires looking at an issue from multiple angles during the course of days, weeks, or months. Students studying mathematics at The Bay School build their understanding by working hands-on with their peers in small group investigations. Our students actively explore mathematical ideas, create conjectures based on their exploration, and then proceed to test the validity of their conjectures. Thus, mathematical insights, approaches, and understanding evolve organically. This approach is in contrast to many traditional high school mathematics curriculums in which students are handed and focused on “end results” with little consideration for, or participation in, how those results were achieved. Math students often need several days to complete a single investigation as t
