Bees and Math: A Lesson in Persistence for Environmentalists and Citizens
Imagine someone asked, "Have you given up on life?" You might feel more pity for them than shame for yourself. But if asked, "Dad, have you given up on losing weight?" the reaction might be different, perhaps prompting denial out of embarrassment. Yes, giving up can be embarrassing.
However, there's no inherent shame in giving up. Many proudly proclaim themselves quitters. Yet, there's a societal expectation that math is not something to give up on. Despite removing difficult elements from the curriculum to alleviate stress, math remains a challenging subject for many students, often leading to self-deprecation.
Learning and teaching are inherently challenging. Interestingly, even bees can be taught math. Adrian Dyer and his team at Monash University in Australia discovered that bees could learn to add and subtract. They trained bees to associate blue with "add 1" and yellow with "subtract 1" in a Y-shaped passageway experiment. Correct answers led to rewards of sugar water, while incorrect ones resulted in bitter water.
Initially, the bees' success prompted skepticism, suggesting they might just be associating colors with more or less. To address this, researchers modified the experiment, presenting bees with choices that required true arithmetic understanding. After extensive training, bees demonstrated about 70% accuracy.
This study suggests that even non-human organisms can develop numerical perception. Bees, with their tiny brains, learn math to survive. If bees can master basic arithmetic, surely humans, with vastly larger brains, can too.
During a recent talk show titled "Life, Intelligence" at the Wanju County Library, a book critic, who had overcome dyslexia, emphasized the importance of persistence in learning. His message to the youth was clear: "It doesn't matter if you can't do math. Just don't give up."
In the 21st century, math might be the universal language, bridging gaps not only among humans but potentially even with insects.
FAQs
Q1: Is it shameful to give up? A1: There is no shame in giving up. Many people accept giving up without any shame, especially on challenging subjects like math.
Q2: What is the perception of math in education? A2: Math is often seen as a difficult and unhappy subject for students. Removing challenging elements from the curriculum has not necessarily made it more enjoyable.
Q3: Can bees learn math? A3: Yes, bees can be trained to perform simple arithmetic, such as addition and subtraction, through experiments involving rewards and punishments.
Q4: What motivates bees to learn math? A4: Bees learn math to survive, as it helps them in their daily activities and decision-making processes.
Q5: Why is math important in the 21st century? A5: Math is essential in the age of science and technology, as it is the language that organizes scientific knowledge. It is a crucial skill for understanding and participating in modern society.
#BeeMath #EnvironmentalLearning #PersistenceInMath #ScientificLiteracy #EducationalChallenges
