Bring Real-World Math to Life with Place-Based Learning

For many students math is simply a series of numbers, symbols, and formulas to memorize for the next test, which can feel abstract and disconnected from their everyday lives.

But what if math could become something students see, touch, and experience all around them? What if the world itself became a living math classroom, full of opportunities for discovery?

That’s the vision of Dr. Koshi Dhingra, former college professor and Founder and CEO of talkSTEM. Through innovative approaches like Math Walks and STEM Walks, Dr. Dhingra is making Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning engaging for all educators and learners alike.

Why Math Feels Irrelevant and How We Can Change That

Despite the best intentions and innovative teaching methods, a persistent issue remains: many students continue to struggle with identifying themselves as a “doers of mathematics”.

Both academic research and practical classroom experience highlight several contributing factors:

• Lack of Relevance: Students often perceive mathematics as disconnected from their daily lives.
• Abstract Concepts: Many view math as a subject dominated by abstract rules rather than practical applications.
• Traditional Instruction: Conventional teaching methods, frequently relying on worksheets, drills, and word problems, often fail to connect with students' real-world math experiences.

This disconnect leads to disengagement, anxiety, and a lack of confidence. It also deprives students of recognizing how math powers much of the world around them, from architecture and engineering to nature, art, and technology.

Educators are increasingly searching for real-world math activities, interactive math lessons, and hands-on math experiences that can help students bridge this gap.

That’s where Dr. Dhingra’s work comes in.

The Magic of Math Walks and STEM Walks

At the heart of Dr. Dhingra’s approach is a simple yet powerful idea: Math is everywhere. It is found in the angles and curves of a city skyline, the repeating patterns of tiles along a sidewalk, the symmetry of a butterfly’s wings, and the distances between trees in a park.

Math Walks and STEM Walks are guided explorations that encourage students to look closely at the world around them, asking questions and spotting mathematical ideas hidden in plain sight.

During a Math Walk, for example, students might:

• Measure shadows to calculate angles and determine the height of a tree or building
• Search for examples of symmetry, parallel lines, or geometric shapes in architecture
• Estimate distances and calculate areas in parks or plazas
• Collect data, such as counting cars, colors of doors, or lengths of benches, to create graphs or solve problems

A STEM Walk extends this exploration even further, connecting not just math but also science, engineering, and technology. Students might observe:

• Erosion patterns in soil and connect them to geometry and earth science
• The engineering behind a playground’s structures
• Patterns in natural habitats and the math that explains them

These activities are rich with opportunities for inquiry-based learning, helping students develop critical thinking, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for how math and STEM shape the world.

The Power of Place-Based Learning

Math Walks and STEM Walks are excellent examples of a broader educational approach known as place-based learning.

Place-based learning is rooted in the idea that the best learning happens when it’s connected to students’ own environments, communities, and lived experiences. Rather than relying solely on textbooks, it uses the local context (whether urban, suburban, or rural) as a powerful teaching tool.

Here’s why place-based learning is so impactful, especially in math education:

Relevance and Meaning

When students explore math concepts through the lens of places they know, such as their neighborhoods, city streets, parks, or local landmarks, it becomes meaningful.

Instead of abstract numbers, they see how math applies to things they care about, from measuring skate parks to designing murals or planning community gardens.

Engaging Multiple Senses

Place-based learning moves beyond pencil-and-paper tasks. Students observe, measure, draw, photograph, and discuss what they see. This multi-sensory approach helps concepts stick and nurtures deeper understanding.

Building Community Connections

Students start to see themselves as part of a larger community. They learn how math and STEM relate to local architecture, transportation systems, environmental conservation, and civic projects. This fosters a sense of belonging and civic responsibility.

Supporting Diverse Learners

Place-based learning naturally uses students’ lived experiences to strengthen classroom learning. For multilingual learners or students from diverse backgrounds, it offers a way to bring their own cultural perspectives and experiences into the math classroom, making learning more inclusive and equitable.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Mathematical Reasoning

Rather than just answering questions, students ask questions. Why is this bridge shaped this way? How tall is that building? How many tiles would it take to cover the plaza? This curiosity drives genuine engagement and problem-solving.

Dr. Dhingra’s Approach: Seeing Math in Everyday Life

Dr. Dhingra’s work with talkSTEM is built on the idea that any space can become a classroom. Schools, city sidewalks, museums, shopping centers all have the potential for discovering math and STEM concepts.

Her philosophy encourages teachers and students to be curious, asking what patterns or shapes can be found around them, and to ask questions such as why something is built a certain way or how it can be measured or compared.

It also encourages them to connect learning by tying observations back to curriculum standards and classroom learning, and to document discoveries by using photos, sketches, or digital tools to record and reflect on observations.

Some of Dr. Dhingra’s favorite examples from Math Walks include:

• Shadow Math: Measuring shadows and using ratios to determine the height of tall structures.
• Symmetry Hunts: Identifying symmetrical designs in buildings, art, and nature.
• Area Calculations: Estimating the size of public spaces using real measurements.
• Data Collection: Counting types of vehicles, animals, or architectural features to create charts and graphs.

These activities transform students into active explorers, sparking both wonder and a concrete understanding of math concepts.

The Benefits: Why Math Walks and STEM Walks Matter

Educators who have incorporated Math Walks and STEM Walks into their teaching consistently report substantial advantages, such as:

• Enhanced Engagement: Students display enthusiasm for outdoor learning and real-world exploration.
• Profound Understanding: Concepts become clearer as students observe them in practical application.
• Interdisciplinary Links: Mathematics naturally connects with science, engineering, and even subjects like art and social studies.
• Fostering Critical Thinking: Students refine their reasoning abilities by making observations and tackling authentic problems.
• Cultivating Empowerment: Learners perceive themselves as mathematicians and scientists capable of investigating and analyzing their environment.

Getting Started with Math Walks

Ready to bring this innovative approach into your teaching practice? Dr. Dhingra suggests exploring the following strategies to seamlessly integrate these cutting-edge methodologies into your classroom, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for all students:

• Start small: Begin with brief walks around school or a local park and focus on simple concepts like shapes or counting to build confidence.
• Let students lead: Encourage students to explore, ask questions, suggest investigation areas, and share their math ideas, fostering engagement.
• Use technology: Integrate devices for photos, videos, or AR apps to capture and discuss mathematical observations.
• Connect to standards: Align observations with curriculum goals to show real-world application of math concepts.
• Keep it flexible: Math Walks are adaptable for all grade levels and various math topics, offering authentic learning experiences.

And remember that the goal isn’t just to “find math,” but to nurture curiosity and help students realize that math is a powerful tool for understanding their world.

Math Is Everywhere

Dr. Koshi Dhingra, an innovator in education, emphasizes that math extends beyond textbooks, existing all around us and ready for discovery. Through place-based learning, math transforms from a task into an engaging adventure. This approach provides a clear answer to the common student question, "When will I ever use this in real life?" So, put on your walking shoes, step outside, and let the world be your math classroom.