Abstract:

In the article, we will deal with activities designed to increase the interest of young people between the ages of 11 and 16 in mathematics and physics.
We are based on the results of a research survey on mathematical literacy conducted by members of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic, in 2022, on prospective primary and lower secondary mathematics teachers. It appears that future teachers consider the development of mathematical literacy important for all age categories of students, both in school and leisure-based education. Developing mathematical literacy means showing and highlighting the usefulness of mathematics in practice. Here, among other things, it is offered to use physics topics. Physics is closely connected with mathematics and offers many real problems, as it investigates the regularities of natural phenomena. Physics and mathematics in the mentioned age category are not often very popular with some students.

Methodology was based upon the results of the 2021 mathematical literacy survey. We can see the possibility of using the intersubject relationships between mathematics and physics. We support students in teacher training programs to create suitable activities for both teaching at schools or for clubs and summer camps, which offer an interesting look at the problems that physics deals with and where they can apply their knowledge of mathematics and all this in an acceptable and entertaining way.

The results of the study show that respondents consider it important to develop mathematical literacy in all pupils, not only gifted pupils. Our work with students has resulted in the creation of various educational activities, where mathematics meets physics and sometimes even intertwines with, for example, physical education, music, art, and information education.

Conclusions drawn were that it is important for prospective teachers to realize that tasks related to the daily life of the pupil are attractive to the pupils. Educational activities involving the themes of several school subjects are important, but due to time constraints, it is sometimes difficult to include them in regular teaching. These activities can be used in school project days or in leisure-based education. When creating and verifying the mentioned activities, students, future teachers, can realize how they can bring the mentioned, not always popular school subjects closer to young people.

Keywords:

Mathematical literacy, physics, educational activities, prospective teachers.