Urgent Need: Teach Math to Kids!

As we enter the world of the global economy, the United States is facing a very formidable challenge. In a nutshell the problem is that we need to get more of our kids interested in the areas of math, technology, science, and engineering. The reason is that many of the baby boomer generation who hold these positions are starting to retire, and many young people are just not interested in entering into these careers. Could the humble comic book be part of the solution to this problem?

It’s a fact that technology and science are the bedrock of the global economy in which we now find ourselves in. Business and labor statistics tell us that employment in these areas alone will increase about 70% faster than the rates of other areas. With this sudden jump, it’s very tragic that American kids are not showing the interest or skills required to fill these types of jobs.

Middle school in particular needs our urgent attention. As our kids turn to teenagers, it is just “not cool” to be good in math or science. Peer pressure is huge at this age, and we need to support and encourage our kids in the areas of the maths and sciences before it gets to them. Unless we take the necessary steps now, we as a nation will pay the price in the years to come.

For whatever reason, boys seem to show more of an interest in math than girls. Did you know that young women now outnumber men in our college campuses now? Despite this fact, in many engineering disciplines women make up less than 20% of students. Professions that utilize math and science need to promote themselves as more “women friendly”. This will encourage our young girls to see a future in the maths and sciences they are learning at a young age.

As we enter this brave new age, we need new media tools. Not just the internet, but other ways to teach math and science to our children. Children need to be shown that math can be very practical to the hobbies and interests that they have at such a young age. For example, math is very important in calculating the statistics of their favorite sports hero. Math principles are also at heart in the world of music. If our kids learn that math is not only practical, but fun, they will be more likely to choose a profession in it in when they get older.

Is it possible that a math comic could be one of these “new media” tools? It’s true that comics have been around for years and years, but they have mostly been used to entertain. We’ve all read a comic that depicts a super hero, or a talking mouse, or young romance. Why not add a twist to this format and use a comic book to teach skills such as math or science? Hmmmm…. Kids love comics, and if we can utilize this love to teach math and science, they will not only be entertained, but they will learn math and science skills as well. What a great way to equip them with skills that they will be able to utilize in the future.

If you would like to learn more about educating our kids via the math comic strips format, please visit our blog. We are passionate about this subject, and would love to get your feedback on how we can help to promote this lofty yet worthwhile goal.

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