Models and Maps from the Marshall Islands: A Case in Ethnomathematics

 It is really cool that mattang are generalized configurations containing idealized shapes and forms that were used to explicate the principles of swell and land interaction. The understanding of the physical world with mathematical modeling is so interconnected. This is quite significant, as embodied mathematics is independent of writing systems. That relationship between physical systems and in the case of Marshall Island stick charts of analogical planar representations are understood by using their mode of construction and usage. 

In terms of teaching and learning mathematics, embodied mathematics highlights the purpose of math in our lives. That is connected to the land, the physical nature of the universe and the nature of the human mind can be expressed. This embodiment of mathematics can be done at the early learning stages to help visually place the environment in a smaller and more controlled way. This can also be used at advanced stages to show learning in relation to real-world applications.