Entrance Post: Euclid and Beauty

     This was a wonderful and educational read as a math teacher candidate. It is important to always education the next generation of students with the history of mathematics and where it possibly comes from. Euclid, is the founding father of Euclidean Geometry, and it was great to learn more insight on the concepts and theories that relate to the name.  

One take-home message and ‘wow’ moment while reading this passage is that Euclid really was the one who created axioms and laid out the theorems for each. I remember in first year of university having to take Euclidean geometry and not understanding the theorem or theory behind it. It was also interested to learn that two separate men named Euclid both contributed to the beginning stages of the theorem. Like many others, I thought there was only one brave soul so it was great to learn about this fun fact. Even though two individuals used their names to label this theorem, it is important to make note that Euclid was not a historical figure. It was a collaboration of mathematicians at Alexandria, who brought this theorem to life. 

    I believe this book has been important for so long because it's significance to math history speaks volumes. The topics covered in Euclid's book are continuously spoken about in university math classroom. As a future teacher, I am excited to implement historical figures in mathematics into my classroom lesson plan. This read made me realize the importance of math history and why these pivotal figures are so important.  

Another important moment and highlight while reading this passage are that Euclid's proofs have a sense of beauty in relations to order and efficiency. I know when I successfully solve a proof in mathematics, I become really happy within. Not only, is there a sense of fulfillment but the importance to solve in a neat organized manner. Two things I make sure I do when I am solving a task is that I make sure my equal signs are all aligned and my variables are nicely stated and clear. These principles were instilled in me as a young student growing up, and as a future teacher, I will pass on the same principles to my future classroom.