1. By: Jackie Cooke Why Learn Math?

2. Math is Useful  Mathematical problems abound in daily life  Mathematical proficiency is required for many jobs  Mathematics is essential for science, engineering, and research

3. Math is Interesting  The accomplishments of mathematics stand alongside great literature, art and music as cultural triumphs that all educated persons should be able to appreciate  Doing mathematics teaches patterns of problem-solving and insight that transfer to other disciplines

4. Math is Important  A mathematically informed citizenry will make better economic and political decisions  Mathematical proof teaches skills in rigor, argumentation and persuasion that are useful skills for life

5. Studying Math in High School Affects Future Education

6. Level of Education Effects Your Life Choices

7. Jobs Requiring Math Pay Better http://mrflip.com/teach/writing/WhyStudyMath/EarningsChart.html

8. A Brief Look at OR http://www.measureofamerica.org/maps/

9. A Brief Look at WA

10. A Brief Look at CA

11. A Brief Look at the Bottom-Ranked State

12. A Brief Look at the Top-Ranked State

13. So Why Learn Math? I don’t want to convince you that mathematics is useful. It is, but utility is not the only criterion for value to humanity. Above all, I want to convince you that mathematics is beautiful, surprising, enjoyable, and interesting. In fact, mathematics is the closest that we humans get to true magic. How else to describe the patterns in our heads that — by some mysterious agency — capture patterns of the universe around us? Mathematics connects ideas that otherwise seem totally unrelated, revealing deep similarities that subsequently show up in nature. Ian Stewart

14. Donald in Mathmagic Land: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nav0kVa66xk