We are entering the world of a world wide economy. Unfortunately this brave new world poses a serious and formidable challenge to the United States. The problem is that our children are just not showing much interest or skills in the areas of math, engineering, science, or technology. As the workers of the baby boomer generation start to retire, we not only need to fill these jobs, but instruct our young people to compete for the global jobs of the future. Could the media of the math comic book be part of the solution to the problem?
This global economy in which we find ourselves in is based on science and math and technology. Labor and business statistics tell us that development in these areas will increase 70% faster than those of other areas. That’s a huge jump. It’s nothing short of tragic that our kids are not showing the interest required in these areas. How are we as a nation going to compete if they don’t?
As we enter this brave new age, we need new tools. Not just the internet, but other ways to teach math and science to our children. Children need to be shown that mathematics can be very practical to the hobbies and interests that they have at such a young age. For example, math is very important in calculating the statistics of their favorite sports hero. Mathematics principles are also at heart in the world of music. If our children learn that mathematics is not only practical, but fun, they will be more likely to choose a profession in it in when they get older.
How about comic strips? Could this be considered to be a “new media” device? Perhaps in some ways. While it’s true that math comic strips have been around for years and years, they have mostly been used to entertain, not educate. We have all read a comic about a superhero, or a talking rabbit, or young romance. How many times have we read a comic that taught us mathematics? Since kids love to read comics, if we can use this format to educate them math and science, we will all win. They will be entertained and educated, and we will help set our children on a course that is wonderful for the nation’s future.
