If you don’t even know where to start to answer this question, you’re not alone. This is a normal reaction to space. It’s called Cosmic Vertigo. It’s also a normal reaction to being asked to solve what can seem like an impossible problem. And that’s even before you’re asked to come up with an answer and show your working.
But why should it be?
Today is National Numeracy Day – the brainchild of independent charity National Numeracy. Their mission is to break down the maths barriers that stop you feeling like you can solve these sorts of problems. They’re aiming to boost people’s confidence with numbers at every stage of their lives by sharing hints, tips, and activities – all for free.
One of this year’s themes of National Numeracy Day is numbers in space. But you don’t need to want to travel to the moon to benefit from number confidence (although, if that’s your dream, maths will certainly help!). Numeracy skills can help you manage your money more successfully and stop you feeling overwhelmed when it comes to working out if you’re paying the right amount for your bills, or when you’ll be able to afford that new washing machine. It can also give you the tools to shop around for a better savings account to help you get there faster.
Check out the free resources and events for this year’s National Numeracy Day here. While you’re at it, why not take the challenge to check and improve your numeracy skills? And maybe even have a go at calculating how old you’d be if you lived on Mars.
