The Fascinating World of ‘數’ … Ulsan Office of Education Produces Educational Newsletter ‘Wooriai’

Ulsan Office of Education.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education has produced the 129th issue of the Ulsan education newsletter "Woori Ai," themed around "numbers," to make the world of numbers, which often feels difficult, fun and interesting to approach.

This issue includes an interview with Professor Kim Min-hyung from the University of Warwick, UK, covering topics such as ▲ moments when mathematics is needed ▲ reasons why math phobia occurs ▲ key points to focus on in math study ▲ messages for future mathematicians.

Professor Kim Min-hyung is a world-renowned mathematician who was the first in the world to solve an algebraic geometry problem derived from Fermat's Last Theorem, known as a century-old challenge.

The issue also provides detailed introductions to various programs at the Ulsan Mathematics Culture Center, which opened in August 2021 after remodeling the annex building of Yaksu Elementary School, offering new mathematical cultural experiences through diverse hands-on activities.

The newsletter features stories from Cheongnyang Elementary School, which uses the AI-based elementary math support app "Smart Math Expedition" to help lower-grade students develop interest in math; Dudong Elementary School, which runs a math sharing school to relieve the burden of math and share learning; and Ulsan Jeil Middle School, where students practice arithmetic operations using board games.

Readers can also explore the origins of numbers and their similar yet different meanings across countries, various application cases using big data, and stories of Western and Korean mathematicians who have left their marks in the field of mathematics.

The world of codes used to conceal confidential information or personal privacy, stories of numbers in ancient palaces such as Geumgangbi, odd numbers, and jigsaw pattern shapes are introduced, along with simple explanations of the unique poet Lee Sang’s "Five Senses" issues No. 1 and No. 4, which use numbers.

Additionally, the newsletter covers diverse content such as the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences solving social problems through industrial mathematics, Yangsan Math Experience Park where visitors can learn by physically interacting with 13 types of sculptures outdoors, and the Bank of Korea Currency Museum, a space containing tangible numbers in the form of currency.

The Ulsan education newsletter is available as an e-book at the Education Promotion Center, as an audiobook on the Office of Education’s YouTube channel, and is also published in braille to ensure no information-disadvantaged groups are left out.

An official from the Metropolitan Office of Education said, “We hope readers will encounter and develop interest in the diverse world of numbers through this summer issue, and we will continue to do our best to create an educational culture magazine that offers even more varied reading and viewing content.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.