Math Catcher Testimonials
The response from those attending Math Catcher events has been overwhelming. Teachers, students, and community members have very kindly written notes and sent emails about how Math Catcher has helped them understand math and the role it plays in our everyday lives.
The testimonials are attached to each event so that you can easily view Math Catcher's impact on its audience. Here are some highlights.
School Visits - Teachers
“The activities were interactive, engaging, and easy enough for everyone to do, yet challenging enough to keep everyone attentive…When making patterns in their stepping stones in Art the next morning, one of the boys yelled out…”Hey, this is Math!” (Jen Kerslake, teacher)
Barriere Elementary, Barriere, Wednesday, April 23, 2014
“The kids loved the idea that math could be in anything, and could be anywhere. They started to say things like “I have a pencil, what is the math of my pencil?" … They were obsessed with finding the math in everyday objects and places for the two days following your visit.” (Kelsey Keller, teacher)
Baker Drive Elementary, Coquitlam, Wednesday, April 2 2014
“The amazing thing about this presentation was how engaging it was for ALL students – the Math whiz, the average student and the Mathaphobic.” (Ronalie James, Aboriginal Support Worker)
Pinewood Elementary, Cranbrook, Wednesday, April 17, 2013
School Visits - Students
“Today in math I learned something big, that math can actually be fun!” (Cassandra, student)
Parkcrest Elementary, Burnaby, Thursday, October 30, 2014
“The workshop ... helped me know that math isn’t only about addition and subtraction and all that stuff, that its used in every day life.” (Andria, student)
Nechako Elementary, Kitimat, Tuesday, October 21, 2014
“Thank you for teaching me math can be fun!” (Oceanna, student)
Quilchena Elementary, Richmond, Wednesday, February 19, 2014
“I never thought I would say/write this, but ever since you came to visit, I have been a bit more into mathematics/math than I used to.” (Sarah, student)
Norgate Elementary School, North Vancouver, Thursday, November 28, 2013
Small Numbers
“It was really good, especially the Small Number and the Old Canoe story.” (Sukhleen, student)
Walnut Road Elementary, Surrey, Wednesday, May 15, 2013
“I appreciate the hands on activities shared but more importantly, the positive Aboriginal role models that present.” (Bethany Ellis, teacher)
Duncan Christian School, Duncan, Thursday, November 14, 2013
“It was interesting to see how you visually demonstrated how the concepts of symmetry were important to the First Nation’s cultures. Our class is made up of about 40% aboriginal students and the emphasis you made on the various aboriginal cultures was a connection that we talked about later on that day.” (Brad Hagkull, teacher)
Central Community School, Chilliwack, Thursday, March 28 2013
SFU Camp for Aboriginal Students - mathcatcher.irmacs.sfu.ca/mathcamp
“[The camp] … helped me gain new friends that are actually some of the closest people to me I know, even if we’ve only been friends for a month.”
"The program taught me that I had the ability to do math the entire time I just didn't believe that I had that much potential."
"I want to continue to learn more and increase my knowledge of math. My expectations of myself are higher and I know that I'm capable of being brilliant student."
"The program taught me that English isn't just about reading and writing, it's about speaking what you believe and showing how you feel."
"This summer has been great I have learned so many new things and made many new friends. It has been an awesome month! I wish would been going on longer."
Workshops - Teachers
“I just wanted to say how great the math conference was; absolutely first class!! The sessions were well run, and the way it was structured with hands on activities alternating with great lectures was great.”
(William Harasymow, Aboriginal Education Assistant, Frank Hurt Secondary)
3rd Annual Aboriginal Students in Math and Science Workshop, Tuesday, October 23, 2012
“Thank you so much for the day. I found it to be extremely stimulating. Our grade 11 student asked if he could be considered to go again next year when you hold the workshop! That says you accomplished what you set out to do.” (Betty Wilson, Sliammon Nation)
3rd Annual Aboriginal Students in Math and Science Workshop, Tuesday, October 23, 2012
“One of the best results was the talk between the students on the drive home. They spent at least 45min discussing what university they want to go to, what they want to study and what they want to do for a living. The conversation was so rich.” (Justin Moore, Math & Science Helping Teacher, School District 33)
5th Annual Aboriginal Students in Math and Science Workshop, Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Workshops - Students
“I truly enjoyed myself. I felt I learned a lot. They inspired me to go to a University. I hope to go to SFU because it seems like a great school.” (Gwen Harry, student, Howe Sound Secondary School)
4th Annual Aboriginal Students in Math and Science Workshop, Tuesday, October 22, 2013
“Throughout the day we listened to many different speakers, each one presenting a different perspective to math and science. The presentations made me think outside the box and think of different careers involving math and science.” (Maggie Acorn, Howe Sound Secondary School)
4th Annual Aboriginal Students in Math and Science Workshop, Tuesday, October 22, 2013
