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An educational experience for bridging school mathematics, scientific and local community -

Workshop presented by Armando Solares-Rojas and Tatiana Mendoza von der Borch, Mathematics Education Department (Cinvestav, Mexico) and Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Xochimilco, Mexico).

Abstract

Middle primary years (8 to 11 years) and early secondary (12 to 15 years)

The Atoyac River Museum: An educational experience for bridging school mathematics, scientific and local community knowledge to deal with local socio-ecological issues

The disruption to earth systems produced by the global environmental crisis created by climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing chemical pollution has impacted the international community. However, damage to global ecologies does not have a homogeneous impact on the different regions of the planet. The economic and social inequalities and asymmetries that affect some world regions are common factors that accentuate the environmental crises. Therefore, solutions will have to address the specific characteristics of the affected areas.

In this context, (mathematics) education faces unavoidable challenges. It is essential to avoid passing on the responsibility of solving the problem to the next generations. Educational systems must include studying the factors behind the worldwide socio-ecological crisis and possible consequences and solutions for communities. We must also share knowledge between educators, scientists, teachers, community leaders, and policymakers to develop educational strategies addressing socio-ecological problems.

In this workshop, we share the educational activities resulting from the “Atoyac River Museum” school project, collaboratively designed with the teachers of one elementary school located on the riverside of the highly polluted Atoyac River in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Based on this experience, we will discuss some considerations for designing activities that address local socio-ecological issues. We know about the endless difficulties teachers face every day in taking action to address the socio-environmental problems that affect their communities. Sometimes, this task is carried out with colleagues, but other times, it is carried out alone, generating feelings of loneliness. We hope that this experience is helpful and supportive of continuing those efforts.

More about the Atoyac River Museum: