What does a “busperson’s holiday” look like when your job is tracking down the hidden mathematics embedded in history? In this episode of the Talking Maths in Public podcast, I sit down with host Katie Steckles to discuss my professional journey, from classroom teaching and spending seven years leading bits of the education programme at Bletchley Park, to carving out a unique niche as a full-time freelance museum learning consultant. The conversation dives into the “maths of history,” challenging the common misconception that mathematics is just an isolated set of rules discovered by a few ancient scholars. Instead, we explore how mathematical thinking has always been deeply entangled with human culture, trade, architecture, and even historical astrology.
Rather than plastering a standard multiplication worksheet over a historical exhibit, I share my framework for empowering museum staff to find the authentic mathematical threads already bubbling under the surface of their own stories. I highlight a few favorite behind-the-scenes projects, from a long-lasting “make-your-own Napier’s bones” family resource designed for Maths Week Scotland (by me), to an ingenious ratio-hunting activity at St. Paul’s Cathedral inspired by Sir Christopher Wren’s obsession with the architectural dimensions of dachshunds (not by me!).
It’s a lighthearted, conversational look at why using explicit mathematical language outside the classroom matters, complete with a closing plug for the History and Mathematics in Education Network (HaMiEN).
This episode also includes fascinating conversations with Nada (about the King’s Factor outreac project) and Emma Couts (about the Campbell Maths Gym).
How to listen:
You can catch the full interview in Series 2, Episode 3 of the Talking Maths in Public podcast. Listen via the player below!
Alternatively, it’s available on all major podcast platforms, or you can stream it directly alongside the show notes via the Talking Maths in Public Website.