Building Better Math

The Building Better Math Project

We're Building a Database of Applied Math Problems

The Problem

Many high school students are avoiding math, and cutting off pathways to exciting technical careers before they even know about them. High school curriculum has few "real-world" applied problems. Leaders in industry and government worry about coming skills shortages, especially in technical areas.

The Solution

We're developing an online database using Maple TA software, tied to the high school curriculum, of real-world math problems. We expect these rich and broad applications to the many fields of science, health, engineering and technology, will encourage and even inspire students to consider and explore careers in science and technology.

Want to know more? Download [PDF] the project details.

What High School Teachers are Saying

"This fills a huge gap in math education."

“I feel like I have little experience in ‘real world’ applications so this would add credibility to the claim that math is useful."

"Having examples from science, forensics, fishing, and medical increases my interest, which I know can increase students' interest."

We Need Help

To do this properly we need help from you. There are two ways you can contribute

› Suggest sponsors

› Suggest math problems

For all other inquiries, please email us at bettermath@bcit.ca

"We need to make science education effective and relevant for a large and diverse fraction of our population."

Dr. Carl Weiman,
Nobel Laureate, recent leader of Science Education at UBC, and nominee for White House Associate Director of Science


"Increasing participation in science based education and technology to support British Columbia’s growing knowledge based economy will be critical."

Skills for Growth,
BC Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development


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