Mathematics of Politics

This course will start by exploring the seemingly simple question “What is fair?” from both a political and a mathematical perspective. We will then use this foundation to explore the intriguing intersection of mathematics and government by delving into political and electoral processes, along with mathematical concepts that underpin these processes.

Topics will include voting methods, apportionment, gerrymandering, the census, and polling. Through a combination of theoretical exploration, data analysis, and case studies, students will complete projects to develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into the complexities of the political world.

Students are expected to attend weekly Zoom sessions at a mutually convenient time after school and to schedule weekly project sessions with other small-group members. There will also be 3 to 5 planned in-person sessions to be announced. In-person activities may include a “Proposition Party” where students collectively share information about ballot initiatives in the upcoming election, a visit to a local Elections Department, an opportunity to work at a polling site during an election, and/or guest speakers.

  UC Approved: Interdisciplinary   

About the Instructor

Avery Pickford – Lick-Wilmerding High School
Avery is currently a math teacher at Lick-Wilmerding, and the way he teaches math ≠ the way he was taught math. In the past 2+ decades Avery has taught math and science to students from second grade to graduate school, usually not at the same time. Avery believes that everyone can do math, that math is a creative endeavor, and that math can and should be a tool for social change. He also believes that spiders are cool, but is open to other opinions on this last point.