Mathematics – Heritage – Education
I presented my book, The Mathematicians’ Library, at the CILIP Unconference on October 3, 2025, to a receptive audience of library professionals. I shared my writing motivations and favorite stories, leading to about half the attendees purchasing a copy. The event had a packed schedule of engaging activities.
Tags: libraries, mathematics, MathsComm, talk
Far from an academic “maths book”, it is a book about maths; about the role that this most ancient of human endeavours has played in the development of humanity, and where its achievements have prompted – and been prompted by – growth in disciplines that many people in the modern world see as entirely separate.
Tags: books, history, mathematics, MathsComm, publications, research, writing
I was briefed to write a page on the subject of maths in museums, and how the objects and artworks they hold relate to our understanding of maths. That’s right up my street!
Tags: Art Quarterly, MathsComm, MathsInMuseums, museums, writing
A couple of weeks before the conference, I was contacted by the organising committee to see if I’d be up for running a Maths in Museums activity as one option amongst a handful, all aiming at facilitating networking between maths communicators who were winding down and gearing up for their journeys home.
Tags: Coventry, mathematics, MathsComm, MathsInMuseums, museums
Something which people in learning and education roles in the heritage sector cite as a barrier to development of maths-focused activities and resources is a lack of confidence in being able to spot the mathematics that’s all around them, but they do recognise that it involves far more than just counting and calculating.
Tags: education, mathematics, MathsComm, museums, online, talk, training, workshop
“…captivated the audience and sparked meaningful discussions…”
– Stacy Mann, Senior Advisor for Families, Early Years and Childcare at Campaign for Learning.
Tags: conference, mathematics, MathsComm, online, STEM, talk, training, workshop
Drawing on his work in museums and schools and his academic work, Tom will focus on the ‘infectiousness’ of mindsets with regards to mathematics, exploring the idea that positivity towards mathematics is essential for success in mathematics, and that attitudes towards the subject are not just based on 3-4 hours per week in the maths classroom but also on maths-related experiences for the rest of the waking week. To succeed, children need to experience positivity and growth mindsets towards maths in all areas of their lives, and parents have an essential role in shaping these experiences.
Tags: conference, education, mathematics, MathsComm, museums, online, talk, training, workshop
“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