12th May International Women in Mathematics Day

International Women in Mathematics Day is a joyful event celebrated every year on 12th May. Statistically fewer women have a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in mathematics. This  day promotes women in mathematics all around the world, inspiring them to celebrate their achievements and encourage an inclusive work environment for all.

Last year I wrote about women mathematicians for Women's Day, so I have added the link here if you would like to source some books for a display.

Women have been involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) for thousands of years. While many have faced obstacles because of their gender, things are changing for the better, and today there are more women than ever working in these disciplines.

23rd June Alan Turing Day

Alan Mathison Turing (1912–1954) was a mathematician, computer scientist and codebreaker and is often described as ‘the father of modern computing’. He influenced the development of theoretical computer science, for which he provided a formalisation of algorithms and computation with the idea of a universal computer, known as a ‘Turing Machine.’

The most famous benchmark test of artificial intelligence – whether a machine can think - is known as the ‘Turing Test’ and as AI continues to expand, researchers will need to question Turing's Test.

Alan Turing was an extraordinary man who crammed into a life of only 42 years the careers of mathematician, codebreaker, computer scientist and biologist. His codebreaking work at Bletchley Park was so significant it helped to shorten the Second World War, and with Tommy Flowers he built the first computer. A man ahead of his time, many of his theories and calculations are still relevant today.

Celebrate his life by reading a biography such as:

Or have fun with the Alan Turing's books for kids:

Otherwise, maybe today is the day to explore books on AI:

14th March International Day of Mathematics, 26th March World Maths Day

Every day should be Maths Day, but there are so many specific days on the calendar. There is E-Day to celebrate Euler's Number (7.2.25); Pi Day (14.3.25); Square Root Day (5.5.25); Women in Mathematics Day (12.5.25); International Sudoku Day(9.9.25) and Fibonacci Day (23.11.25).

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries are invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces. The theme for this year is Mathematics Art and Creativity. What fun!

If you look at the website, you will see lots of things to get you involved with the theme. This year’s creative challenge is constructing mathematical elements using everyday physical objects (such as household items, objects from nature, or even people). Use your artistry and creativity (this year’s theme!) to make sculptures that bring mathematics off the page and into the real world!

Often the preschool teachers will ask for books that show numbers and or patterns in nature or the environment. They will use a picture from one of these books as a provocation. These are some of the books I suggest.

• Growing Patterns and Mysterious Patterns  by Sarah Campbell

• Swirl by Swirl  by Joyce Sidman

• Flow Spin Grow  by Patchen Barss

• Pitter Pattern  by Joyce Hesselberth

• Wings, Waves and Webs  by Robin Mitchell Cranfield

• Magic Counting  by Nabeel Khan

• Shape Search  by Melissa Stewart

• Deadly Science: Numbers in Nature  by Corey Tutt

• Dreaming Up  by Christy Hale 

• Patterns in Australia  by Bronwyn Bancroft 

• Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes  by Stephen Swinburne

• Patterns at the Museum  by Tracey Steffora

• The Art Garden  by Penny Harrison

• The Art of Clean Up  by Ursus Wehrli

• Searching for Treasure  by Johanna Bell

and look out for All About Patterns  by Elizabeth Rusch which is coming in April.

14th March International Day of Mathematics

 

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries are invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces. The theme for 2024 is Playing with Math! 

World Maths Day

World Maths Day is an annual event that promotes the empowering nature of Maths, helping to encourage children and adults alike to become more excited about the subject and work to develop their Mathematical abilities! In 2024, it will take place on the 23rd of March.

I'm not sure why there is two dates or what the difference is, but which ever day you choose, it is a good excuse to look at all things mathematical, including picture books that feature maths.

Over the years our library displays for this day have taken various starting points, counting, numbers, geometry and problem solving. One year we just pulled out all the books that had a number in their title. Another year we looked at 'shapes in nature'. What to do this year?

Each year I do try to purchase the Mathical award winning books that are suitable for my age group of readers. This years winners were announced recently. Just displaying all the past winners and nominees would make a good display by itself.

Here's some of my favourites, all of which enable mathematical discussions and the chance to play with maths.