Partnership with Math Rocks - Putting the "M" in STEM workshop
On November 8, 2024—National STEM Day—We STEM the Future celebrated the power of math with an engaging workshop in collaboration with the initiative Math Rocks, founded by Sahiba Kaur. We were assisted by We STEM the Future’s founder, Ani Nishanian, global chapter head, Radhika Deshpande, and Outreach and Marketing Coordinator, Priya Deshpande, to create a fun and stimulating learning environment at Willow Springs Elementary School.
This workshop was designed to showcase the beauty of mathematics beyond the boundaries of traditional classroom learning, blending creative problem-solving with hands-on activities. Through three interactive stations, students explored mathematical concepts in a dynamic way, discovering how math can be both challenging and exciting.
A Journey through Math Stations
The "Putting the "M" in STEM" workshop featured three unique activities and stationsthat inspired students to think critically and embrace the joy of discovery.
At Station 1: Countdown, students engaged in an exciting and strategic game that involved using tokens. The activity began with 30 tokens placed on the table, and each student had the option to take either one or two tokens during their turn. The objective was to carefully plan each move to ensure they were the one to take the final token, thereby winning the game. As the activity unfolded, students discovered that every decision impacted the game's outcome, prompting them to think critically about their strategy. Through hands-on experimentation with various approaches, they honed their ability to recognize patterns, anticipate their opponent's moves, and make calculated decisions. This engaging exercise emphasized the importance of forward-thinking, logical reasoning, and effective planning, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for problem-solving skills.
At Station 2: Magic Flower, students took on the challenge of arranging numbers into a visually captivating, flower-shaped puzzle. The goal was to balance the sums across the petals by strategically placing the numbers, ultimately achieving a “magic number” that tied the entire puzzle together. This activity encouraged participants to think critically and systematically as they identified patterns, tested different combinations, and refined their approach to solving the puzzle. By engaging in this hands-on exercise, students developed their logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities while experiencing the satisfaction of working through a complex challenge to find a harmonious solution.
Finally, at Station 3: Cup Stacking, students tackled a vibrant and engaging stacking challenge that came with an intriguing twist—every move they made had to follow specific mathematical rules. This dynamic activity pushed them to think creatively and adapt their strategies as they worked to solve the puzzle. By experimenting with different approaches and refining their methods, students enhanced their problem-solving skills while discovering new ways to apply math in a tangible, interactive format. This station showcased the excitement of hands-on learning, demonstrating that mathematics can be both stimulating and deeply thought-provoking.
The students’ enthusiasm was palpable as they engaged with each station, sharing ideas, strategizing together, and celebrating breakthroughs with their peers. The lively energy in the room reflected a shift in perspective—math was no longer just about equations on paper but had come alive as an interactive, hands-on experience. This workshop turned abstract concepts into tangible challenges, allowing students to explore, experiment, and discover in ways that made learning both enjoyable and meaningful. By transforming math into an exploratory journey, the event broke down the stereotype of math as rigid or dull, instead showcasing its adaptability and its potential to ignite curiosity and critical thinking.
At We STEM the Future, we believe that math serves as a cornerstone of STEM education, providing essential skills that drive innovation and discovery. Events like this highlight how math can inspire a lifelong passion for learning when presented in an engaging and approachable way. Partnering with Math Rocks brought this vision to life, combining our shared mission to empower young minds with tools and experiences that open doors to the exciting possibilities within STEM fields. Together, we showed students that math is not just a subject—it’s a key to understanding and shaping the world around them.
Reflecting on the success of this event reminds us of the critical role partnerships play in achieving our goals. Collaborating with Math Rocks allowed us to amplify our impact, helping students see math in a completely new light. It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when organizations unite around a shared purpose. This workshop reinforced our commitment to shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers who will lead the way in addressing tomorrow’s challenges.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to host more workshops and collaborative events designed to make STEM education accessible, engaging, and transformative for students worldwide. These initiatives are more than just learning opportunities—they’re a way to inspire young minds to dream big and pursue their potential. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming programs and join us as we continue to build a brighter future through the power of STEM!
Sparking a Love for Math
"Through Math Rocks, the mission is to spread the problem-solving mindset and help anyone believe they can be a math person. Through this collaboration with We STEM the Future, the 'Putting the M in STEM' is one step closer to impacting the educational journeys of young communities."
- Sahiba Kaur, founder of Math Rocks
“It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.”
Carl Friedrich Gauss