The Marshall Islander's Charts

    The relation between maps and mathematical idea was very interesting. From mathematical perspective, maps are visual model of 3D-spaces and geography on a paper. What was more interesting part of the Marshall Islander's charts to me is that charts model the relationship between the boat and waves and winds, instead of representing geographical location and structure of lands and sea. I was very surprised to learn that Marshall Islanders used their charts on land rather than when they were on sea voyaging. I think this was possible for them as their charts demonstrate the idea of how to determine the directions considering the interaction of the boat, wave, and winds at the moment, and Marshall Islanders had clear ideas of what their charts represented.

   Embodied mathematics are great examples of demonstrating the process of mathematical thinking. As humans from ancient history did not have the same number systems or formulas as we do now, the thought process and application they showed through their lives are clear proofs of mathematics that we learn now. Hence, embodied mathematics in secondary mathematics teaching will be very useful as students will understand mathematics is not just about calculation of numbers and applying formulas. Instead, students can understand the abstract nature of mathematics and how mathematical ideas are related to every day lives and mathematics is a great tool to model the real world.

 Asher, M. (1995). Models and Maps from the Marshal Islands: A Case in Ethnomathematics. Historia              Mathematica, vol. 22, pp. 347 –370.