Maths Week Scotland Brings Numbers to Life at Hawick Museum and Library
Hawick Museum and Library turned into a hub of discovery during Maths Week Scotland, welcoming nearly 600 visitors for a week packed with creativity, curiosity, and hands-on fun. The event proved that maths isn’t just for the classroom—it’s a language that shapes the world around us.
Families, schools, and community groups from across the Scottish Borders—Hawick, Jedburgh, Selkirk, and Galashiels—joined in a vibrant programme that explored maths in nature. From LEGO insect models to a human sundial, participants experienced how numbers and patterns connect to everyday life. Attendance exceeded expectations with a 38% increase on targeted audience participation.
Highlights of the week included:
- 179 people diving into workshops and Family Fun Day activities.
- Explorer Backpacks and a bespoke maths-themed activity booklet—resources that will keep the learning alive for future visitors.
- Playful early years sessions introducing preschoolers to maths through storytelling, clay modelling, and leaf-sorting games.
- Nature-inspired workshops with Instinctively Wild CiC, where den building, measuring animal weights, and insect art revealed the hidden maths in the wild.
- Children and their families attempting to create a Fibonacci sequence out of LEGO
- School children from local schools learning about maths through storytelling and singing at our author events.
Feedback was glowing, with educators and families praising the inclusive, creative approach that made maths practical and fun.
Emily Moir, Education Officer at Hawick Museum, said: “Maths Week Scotland gave us the chance to show how mathematics is all around us—in the trees, the seasons, the wildlife, and even in the shadows we cast. By making maths playful and hands-on, we’ve helped break down barriers and inspire children and adults alike to see the subject in a new light.”
Julie Bell, Community Engagement and Funding Officer for Libraries , added: “The library was buzzing with excitement as families and schools explored maths in creative ways. It was wonderful to see people of all ages come together to enjoy problem-solving and discovery. We are looking forward to the learning continuing well into the future with our new LEGO and book resources.
This success was made possible thanks to the collaboration of museum and library teams, educators, volunteers, and partners including – Instinctively Wild CiC, Lusi Alderslowe Permaculture, Friends of Wilton Lodge Park, Teri Bikes, Pavilion Café, Lego builder Alistair Jelks, and author Alan McClure.
Maths Week Scotland 2025 has left a lasting legacy—sparking curiosity, encouraging creative thinking, and celebrating the beauty of mathematics in the world around us. Thank you to National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Government who funded these events as part of their national initiative to make maths more accessible and engaging for all.
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