Parents, Public and Families
Much Ado About Numbers
What do Shakespeare and Maths have in common? It turns out to be...a lot! In this engaging talk which connects history, maths and literature, Rob Eastaway reveals the surprising mathematical connections between Shakespeare and the world he lived in. Find out how Tudors multiplied, why dice games were a hazard for the unwary, and why early drafts of Shakespeare's plays could possibly have been written with a pencil. With historical asides about calendars, optics, music and magic thrown in, this is a fascinating insight into a Renaissance world in which every subject was connected.
"A fantastic talk - the interdisciplinary element was really valuable." - Head of English, Bromley High School
"The best enrichment lecture we've had" - 17-year-old, St Helens School
Maths on the Back of an Envelope
The convenience and speed of calculators has led us to believe that a number is only right when it is quoted to several decimal places. But maths is not always about getting precisely the right answer - and often a rough answer can offer more insights. This is a talk about everday estimation and about Fermi questions - the art of working things out when you aren't given any data. From working out the chance of unusual coincidences, to a quick method for answering a vintage Who wants to be a Millionaire? question, Rob guides you through maths that can be done on the back of an envelope.
Maths On The Go
When life is busy, it isn't always possible to sit down with your child and help them get to grips with important maths skills like multiplication, fractions and general problem solving. In this lively talk, Rob offers a range of simple tips and games that you can try anywhere, any time. Find out how to make the most of time spent in the car, at the shops, at the breakfast table and much, much more.
Maths, Magic and Mystery
First delivered at the Ilkley Book Festival in 2010, this is an entertaining, family-friendly look at the surprising maths that anyone can explore at home. The talk includes mind-reading tricks, games and a surprising revelation about PG Tips teabags. It works best with a mixed audience of adults and children aged 6+, and is particularly suitable for parents who are terrified of maths.
Maths for Mums and Dads
Why does my child look blank - or have a tantrum - when I demonstrate 'long multiplication'? And what on earth is 'chunking'? In this lively talk-come-workshop for parents of primary children, Rob gently guides anxious parents through modern methods of teaching arithmetic, explaining why things have changed, and what you can do to make maths more enjoyable at home. Packed with practical tips and ideas, it's a down-to-earth, accessible talk, ideal for after-school, parents-only events.