Mathematical modeling: linking mathematics, science and arts in the primary curriculum

Abstract

This paper presents one approach to incorporating interdisciplinary experiences in the primary school mathematics curriculum, namely the creation of realistic mathematical modeling problems that draw on other disciplines for their contexts and data. The paper first considers the nature of modeling with complex systems and how such experiences differ from existing problem-solving activities in the primary mathematics curriculum. Principles for designing interdisciplinary modeling problems are then presented, with reference to two mathematical modeling problems, one based in the scientific domain and the other in the literary domain. Examples of the models children have created in solving these problems follow. Finally, a reflection on the differences in the diversity and sophistication of these models raises issues regarding the design of interdisciplinary modeling problems.