Mathematics Beyond the Classroom | University of Melbourne

On Tuesday 1 September, students from Years 8 and 9 at Dimboola Road Campus and Year 10 students from Town Park Campus took part in engaging mathematics sessions with students from the University of Melbourne’s School of Mathematics and Statistics.

Students explored the mathematics behind creating the longest possible overhang using balancing blocks on a table. Through this hands-on activity, they discovered how a simple building block challenge can lead to mathematical formulas that apply to a wide range of situations.

Year 9 students Leya and Jana shared:

“We discovered that a simple building block activity can help us find a formula that applies to lots of other situations. We enjoyed it a lot — it was very collaborative, fun and informative.”

The sessions also gave students the opportunity to meet university mathematics students and learn more about future pathways in mathematics and the many careers where maths can contribute.

A fantastic day of problem-solving, collaboration and discovering where mathematics can take our students in the future!