Tom Briggs

Secret Histories: Spotting the Hidden Maths in Museums: Big MathsJam 2023

2024-01-022025-03-06Tom BriggsPortfolio2 Comments

“The sum total of human mathematical knowledge didn’t just pop into being last Thursday, but galleries, libraries, museums and archives have always been a bit shy about shedding light on its role in almost every part of history. This is a quickfire collection of just some of the gems I’ve seen sparkling through the cracks, along with a call-to-action for any museum-going maths fans.

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– Abstract for a presentation delivered at the MathsJam Gathering 2023.

Tags: mathematics, MathsComm, museums, talk

Maths, Museums & Changing Mindsets: BSHM Christmas Meeting 2023

2023-12-092025-03-06Tom BriggsPortfolioLeave a comment

“Could exposure to mathematical themes whilst visiting museums help to change the negative attitudes towards mathematics that are prevalent in modern British society?”
– Extract from abstract for a talk delivered at the BSHM Christmas Meeting 2023.

Tags: education, mathematics, MathsComm, museums, online, talk

Maths in Museums Consultation and Resource Production

2023-01-132025-03-06Tom BriggsTestimonialsLeave a comment

“…I think your consultation service was fantastic. I was really pleased with our meeting and the document you provided me.”

– Parris, Learning and Engagement Officer at Glencoe Folk Museum.

Tags: consultation, mathematics, MathsComm, online, resource creation, STEM, training, workshop

Fossils Loans Box

2022-09-212025-04-16Tom BriggsPortfolioLeave a comment

“It includes a mixture of original and replica fossils with interpretation cards for each one, and a set of activity suggestions to help students make the most of the opportunities to explore planet Earth before humanity existed.”

Tags: Catherine Holden, education, Kate Travers, mathematics, museums, ResourceDevelopment, resources, science, STEM

The Big Water Workshop

2022-09-212025-03-05Tom BriggsPortfolioLeave a comment

“The workshop includes hands-on activities that allow students to better understand how the sewerage systems that they take for granted work behind the scenes, and how they fit into the water cycle, and also a tour that takes them amongst the enormous beam engines.”

Tags: Catherine Holden, education, Kate Travers, Leicester, museums, onsite, ResourceDevelopment, workshop

The Beauty of Maths: National Galleries Scotland

2022-08-302025-04-16Tom BriggsPortfolioLeave a comment

Tags: education, mathematics, museums, ResourceDevelopment, resources

What does DALL·E ‘think’ mathematics and a mathematician looks like?

2022-08-112025-03-06Tom BriggsPortfolioLeave a comment

“I don’t know what it means, but “Maamatiec mate” is a phrase that was disappointingly absent from my own mathematics education.”

Tags: digital, mathematics, MathsComm

Research Project: Aligning Heritage Science to UK Primary Science Curricula

2022-06-302025-03-06Tom BriggsPortfolio1 Comment

“The project arose from an earlier event which highlighted the potential for heritage science themes to help build bridges between arts and science teaching in schools whilst spreading awareness of an aspect of museum and gallery work that is often hidden behind the scenes.”

Tags: Catherine Holden, education, heritage, museums, research, ResearchProject, science, writing

Maths in Museums for Maths Week Scotland

2022-05-052025-03-06Tom BriggsTestimonialsLeave a comment

“Tom’s presentation was really useful to get you thinking outside of the box. I don’t feel too comfortable with maths abilities but this session showed that you can apply it to your site and collections in really engaging, fun ways.”

– Maths in Museums training attendee

Tags: mathematics, MathsComm, museums, talk, training