Mathematics is fantabulous!

Amazing. Funny. Exciting. Tricky. Happy. These were some of the adjectives used by young audience members to describe yesterday’s Braintwisters! workshop at Scifest Africa.

Braintwisters! is presented by Living Maths and has been a part of the Festival for 10 years. Facilitator Steve Sherman says the workshop aims to show the fun side of mathematics.

Tired faces entered the small venue on Wednesday afternoon. By start time the room was spilling at the brim with some students sitting on tables and on the carpet. They were met by a jovial host who immediately changed the atmosphere forcing everyone to the edge of their seats – where they remained for the hourlong spectacle.

The workshop began with a “magic trick” that showed the thrill of numbers.

Students from schools in South Africa and Namibia wrecked their brains trying to unravel the magician’s trick. The room was filled with confusion, enlightenment and raucous laughter as the host took us on a journey with numbers.

“People aren’t usually exposed to mathematics in a positive way,” says Sherman. “This workshop is a great opportunity to showcase a fun side of mathematics and make people fall in love with it.”

The workshop is interactive and requires physical and mental participation from the audience. One can expect a cocktail of brainteasers, mathematical tricks and a fun game when attending the “Braintwisters” workshop.

Sherman, who describes the show as “fantabulous”, says that people should realise that mathematics is fun but it is also important because it teaches logical thinking and problem-solving skills which are essential in all aspects of life.

Braintwisters! is at Visitors Centre 1, Monument, daily at 1pm except Saturday and Sunday.