Mathematics on the river, mathematics of the river

unveiling the power of mathematical conceptions

Abstract

The research presented in this paper explores mathematical conceptions on one side, and on the other side number sense and forms of knowledge (such as knowledge about rivers) that people mobilize during citizen science activities that foster the 6th and 15th United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, namely the ones addressing water quality and quantity, and biodiversity in water. A sample of 28 students from an Environmental Science course participated in a pilot phase of the project and the data they voluntarily provide represents the data source. A multiple-choice questionnaire, paired with open prompts, has been administered and students’ conceptions of both rivers and numerical facts about rivers emerge: in fact, rivers represent more a risk for floods and source of water for human activities, rather than a place for biodiversity to flourish. Numerical facts about rivers in Europe are also little known. We conclude that conceptions shape the way people perceive rivers, also in its numerical facets.