Teacher Carolyn McIntyre and parents Sharon Archibald and Julie Thomas with students, from left, Alicia De Haan, Evelyn McIntyre, Mikaela Trimble, Christian Downes and Erynn Thomas at the sign posts for important places that they can measure distances of and add to the sign.
Drouin West Primary School officially opened its “maths garden” last Friday in front of its students and parents.
The garden idea, driven by parents, has been a part of strong mathematics focus of the school for the past two years and construction of all the pieces that make up the new garden began in March.
The garden went through its finishing touches by parent helpers that formed the fundraising committee on the morning of the official opening and students didn’t waste any time playing amongst the many activities.
They include a number chart that children can fill in and use for mathematics and odd and even numbers; chess and checkers boards used for the game “Battleship” where when squares are numbered, players can give co-ordinates to sink the opposition’s ships; a multiplication chart to learn timetables; an analogue clock with a digital board that is filled in by students; there are sign posts to capital cities (and Warragul and Drouin) where children can work out distances to add to the signs; numbered dominos that double as seating and coloured upright pencils with height markings of teachers for children to work out the difference in height.
Numbered mosaic pieces of art have also been installed on the walkways around the garden area. The teacher who has overseen the project, Ms Caroline Mcintyre said, “The garden’s use is only limited by your imagination. Maths is everywhere, even outside in your garden” when addressing the crowd at the opening.
