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 change the public perception of mathematics as being dull, boring and useless and to show people that maths is actually 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. You can also read about our dedicated Mathematics Outreach Team. Visit out Explore Further page to find out about the cutting-edge research being done here at the School of Mathematics, read our magazine, or start planning your mathematical walking tour of Edinburgh...
Upcoming Events
30th September: Celebrate the Beuty of Mathematics: a reception for maths teachers
During Maths Week, we will host a reception for maths primary and secondary school teachers. The event will include hands-on activities and talks from school teachers and staff in the School of Mathematics. The Deputy First Minister, Mr John Swinney, will address the event.
The event is free to attend, but ticketed. For further details and to book a space, please visit this page.
12th October 2019 (1:00pm-4:00pm): Maths Circle
The Edinburgh Maths Circle is an opportunity for children aged 5 to 16 and their families to join us for an afternoon of fun, puzzles, and stimulating hands-on mathematics. More details can be found on this page.
14th December 2019 (10:30am-12:00pm): Learn How to Run a Maths Circle (Teacher Development Workshop)
In this workshop we will show some of the resources we use during our Maths Circles, and give advice on how to run a Maths Circle in your classroom or community centres. Further information can be found here.
Digital resources for schools and individuals
Have Fun with Maths
A collection kit of resources for P5-S3 students, aimed at developing problem solving. The resources focus on strategy games and some applications of Maths to transport networks. They include some videos, a range of puzzles, and a document with tips and advice for teachers/educators. The resources are available here.
Maths Week at Work
A series of videos where five Maths graduates working in different sectors explain how they use maths in their jobs, and present puzzles related to their job. Check this page for further details, and to watch the videos.
Recent Events
11th June: Maths Inspiration show
Three of the best Maths communicators in the UK will come to Edinburg with a highly interactive show, to inspire our teenagers and show many examples of how Maths can crop up in everyday life. The show is entitled: "Playing For Real- How Maths Help You Win". Further information can be found here.
24th-25th May: Anamorphic Mirror Pillar
At the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, our students will join other Maths communicators in this high quality exhibit, to show how geometry and art combine together. Join in and help us to create a giant piece of art! Further details can be found here.
11th May 2019 (1:00pm-4:00pm): Maths Circle
The Edinburgh Maths Circle is an opportunity for children aged 5 to 16 and their families to join us for an afternoon of fun, puzzles, and stimulating hands-on mathematics. More details can be found on this page.
5th-10th April 2019: Edinburgh International Science 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, with hands-on exhibits and enthusiastic student volunteers to guide people through the science.
More than 2000 visitors joined us to discover the Maths behind how planets orbit, embarc on a journey towards the frontiers of our imagination, and explore the 4D world!