Out and About in the Community

Are you wanting to book a holiday in 2 weeks time?

I am part of the aLiM maths group at our school.  Alim stands for accelerating learning in mathematics.  As part of our learning, we have been investigating mathematics in our community.  This morning the aLim groups one and two went for an adventure around Panmure.

While walking we took pictures of the things that we could see that involved mathematics. The things we saw in Panmure included:

• ATM machines

• Car number plates
• Signs
• Bus numbers
• Bus stop numbers and timetables
• Prices
• Patterns created by blocks on the footpaths

After taking images around Panmure we walked to Settlers Tours and while we were there we talked to a travel Agent her name was Pauline. Pauline talked to us about the cost of traveling which included more that just our fare would be and what you can do and what you cannot do.

For example , if you are travelling by yourself or with a sibling you have to be over 10 years old and that is the thing that is allowed but one of the things that are not allowed when you are going to travel is even if you are 10 or older you are not to travel with a sibling that is 3 years old or younger. One of the most important thing that you should remember when you are about to travel is to always confirm or check who is picking you up from the airport. But if that person does not confirm that they are coming to pick you up then you will not be allowed to leave that  country that you are living in.

We found out that if you are under the age of 12 you get 75% off the adult price for travelling but if you are 12 and over you have to pay the full adult fare.  

Talking to Pauline was interesting it really inspired me and got me thinking of being a travel agent when I grow up. What are you thinking of doing as a career when you grow up, if you do not have anything in mind or if you are not sure? Have a think about being a travel agent.

I also learnt that there is a lot of mathematics involved in this job and how it links to the things we learn in class. While browsing holiday magazines to check out prices being able to work our discounts for travel and see what kind of deals you could get.

On a previous trip 'Out and About' we also visited the bank and found out about currency exchange rates and about starting up personal bank accounts and the interest you can earn on your savings. Its all about mathematics. Knowing and understanding how maths is used in the real world is important.