If maths was an animal …

‘If maths was an animal it would be a _______ because _______ ‘

Responses from my #math1070 students:

• A koala because maths is interesting and unique.
• A spider because of the pattern organisation of their web.
• A cat because it has lots of layers.
• An ant because lots of small parts make up a big part.
• A zebra because it has many patterns and it is black and white with one solution. The patterns are often confusing but has many approaches: black with white stripes or white with black stripes.
• A chameleon cos once you think you’ve got it, it can disappear.
• A snail because it’s slow.
• An octopus because they’re calculated yet inspire intrigue.
• A starfish because there are many different aspects and ways to solve problems.
• A giraffe because it’s leagues above my level.
• A dog because while it has complex intelligence, its commands and responses are consistent.
• A leopard because it has a sophisticated pattern but also because it has an elegant mannerism.
• An eagle because it’s precise and adaptable.
• A turtle because you need to work through slowly and thoroughly.
• A tiger because it has a soft fur but could bite you.
• A monkey because its unpredictable.
• A zebra because there is an unknown amount¹ of stripes.
• A bear because it looks scary but it’s actually soft and cuddly.
• A sloth because that’s how it makes you feel.
• A spider because we create webs of problems, solutions and challenges.
• A chameleon because just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
• An ant. Maths underpins almost all concepts, it may be invisible at times but you can always find it if you look hard.
• A lion because a lot of people are scared of it until they know more about it and find the friendly side.
• A puppy because they are fun but then sometimes annoying.
• A penguin because they are fascinating.

[1] I’m transcribing student work. I know it’s ‘number’. Don’t @ me.