Encouraging creativity in mathematics and science through photography

Abstract

Based on the results of a survey of the science and mathematics students at our university, we observed that students do not consider mathematics and science to be creative endeavors, though the traditional artistic disciplines rank high in this regard. To address this problem in perception, the authors used photography as a means to encourage students to find the deep-rooted connections between science and mathematics and the arts. The photography project was used in a formal classroom setting as well as an outside activity, i.e. in a more informal setting. In this article, we describe the project and its outcomes. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. All rights reserved.