Outreach
The School of Mathematics is committed not only to doing great new research, but also to telling people about it.
We have a talented team of staff and students who work hard to communicate their love of mathematics to the wider community. Sometimes this is through talks or school masterclasses; sometimes it involves doing exhibitions at science festivals or visiting local schools. Whatever the medium, our goal is to show people that maths is a beautiful, elegant and creative subject that underpins much of modern society.
On this website you can find out more about the events that we organise for the public and for schools, as well as some digital resources we have produced for schools and individuals.
Upcoming Events
At the moment there are no live events planned for the Summer 2022. In September we will start our new program of workshops and events for schools, teachers, families, and everyone who is curious about maths. Details about our 2022/23 events will appear on this page in the coming months. In the meanwhile, you can engage with our self-paced activities (see below) or visit our Online Resources page to explore educational resources we have produced in the past.
Ongoing: Discover Edinburgh's Mathematical History- a self-paced walking tour
From Thomas Bayes through James Clerk Maxwell to Mary Somerville, explore the mathematical delights hidden in Edinburgh's city centre. Along the way, uncover some of the secret history of Edinburgh, discover some highlights of mathematics developed over the past two thousand years, and try your hand at some intriguing puzzles and games. Visit the tour's webpage to start exploring.
Ongoing: Maths in the Kitchen- Dundee Science Centre Home Learning program
We have contributed to the Dundee Science Centre Home Learning program, with some activities focused on "Maths in the Kitchen". Click here to take a journey into the world of shapes and symmetries, and explore why our pies and pizzas are round.
Ongoing: Edinburgh Science Festival 2020 (Online program)
Our contribution to the Edinburgh Science Festival online program in 2020 is still accessible.
Explore our activities and resources, and find out how Maths underpins many aspects of our lives, and how we use it in many contexts, much more often than we think.
Four times per year, since December 2020: Virtual Maths Circles and Open Ended Problems- workshop for teachers
During these online workshops for teachers and educators, we give a brief introduction to our Maths Circles, and then we explore some of the resources we use. We also discuss how such resources can be used in the classroom and can spark curiosity and help children develop their mathematical thinking. For further information please visit this page. (Once on the page, open the window named "Host a Maths Circle at your school")
Once a month, since August 2020: Virtual Maths Circle
This is a workshop for children aged 7-14 and their families. Participants receive a selection of our fantastic maths problems to try in advance. During the live online event they are able to listen to our students and staff members discussing the problems, and to ask questions. For further information about our Maths Circles please visit this page.
Saturday 9th April- Wednesday April- 10:00- 16:00: Edinburgh Science Festival
After two years, we were again able to contribute in person activities to the festival. At the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, members of the School of Mathematics' Outreach Team joined other scientists from the University to show off what it is that makes their subject great.
Our activities were grouped under the title "Circles in maths, nature… and everyday life". Through bespoke hands-on activities visitors got a chance to find out how the geometry of the circle has impacted many discoveries and still underpins some of our everyday actions, like drawing a map, or using coins. Visitors challenged their own idea of roundness and learnt how a misunderstanding of shape can lead to catastrophic disasters, such as the destruction of the NASA Challenger shuttle. Students and staff from the School of Mathematics were at hand to discuss their research, and ultimately reveal what being a mathematician really means.
Online mudule: Statistics: Unlocking the World of Data
The sixth edition of our MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on Statistics was live between January and March 2022.
The coarse introduces some of the key concepts of Statistics, and explores the ideas and methodes behind the Stats we encounter in everyday life. No previous knowledge is required. A new edition of the course will most probably be live in January 2023.
March 2022: Mind Games: Cracking Code in Maths and Languages- development workshop for teachers
During these workshops, participants are able to join Mathematicians and Linguists from the University of Edinburgh and explore what Maths and Languages have in common. All together, we have a go at some of our activities, explore the underlying structure or numerical systems, have fun constructing short sentences or deciphering inscriptions in unfamiliar languages. We then explore together how language works... and where maths comes into play. Participants will hopefully get ideas to take to their classroom and show students how Maths is everywhere.