What if math were more than numbers on a worksheet? A team from Texas A&M University and the Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley is collaborating with children to explore mathematics through creativity, critical thinking and mathematical modeling.

Dr. Hyunyi Jung of our Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture leads the Modeling in Our Daily Experiences and Lives (MODEL) Summer Camp. During the weeklong program, children in early elementary school engage in a variety of mathematical modeling activities, including designing zoo habitats, creating geometric birdhouses, producing pattern-based artwork and analyzing data about themselves and their communities. Mathematical modeling experiences have been offered monthly during the academic year and each summer for the past two years.

Campers engage in collaborative math modeling activities that encourage creativity and problem solving.

“We celebrate the various mathematical ideas that children bring,” Jung emphasizes. “When students feel their ideas are valued, they become more willing to share their thoughts.”

The program was inspired by a question Jung frequently heard while teaching mathematics: Why do we learn math? “Mathematical modeling connects math with problem solving that students experience in everyday situations,” Jung said.

Since 2014, Jung has continued to bring research-based modeling into community spaces. In collaboration with Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley leaders, staff and students from Texas A&M and the College of Education and Human Development, the program develops modeling teaching approaches that make math more interactive.

Instead of relying on traditional lessons that prioritize formulas and memorization, the camp introduces math through hands-on challenges. Children are invited to ask questions and explore concepts while working through problems with more than one possible solution. As they brainstorm through challenges, students strengthen decision-making skills and begin understanding that finding an answer is only part of the learning process.

For a program co-teacher Karina Alvarado ’25, one of the most rewarding parts of the program is when students recognize math outside the classroom. “These tasks show them that math can happen during playtime,” shares Alvarado.

The benefits of the program go beyond mathematical learning. As a program co-teacher, Josseline Martinez ’26 noticed students who were initially hesitant to interact became more comfortable connecting with peers and instructors. “Watching friendships develop has been one of my favorite parts of the program,” Martinez reflects.

A program co-teacher, Paola Juarez ’27 has seen how small moments of encouragement can impact student growth within the program. “The more I worked with a student, I started seeing a difference in his attitude and behavior throughout the week,” Juarez said. “These positive changes have been really rewarding.”

The partnership has provided new learning methods for younger members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley. For Director of Programs and Latino Outreach Fatima Burgueño, the program reflects a commitment to providing developmentally appropriate mathematical modeling experiences for children ages 6–8.

“This program specifically targets math and science in a way that’s engaging,” Burgueño highlights a student who turned a corner through the MODEL camp. “He previously struggled to connect with other programs, but with this camp he’s excited to jump in and see what they’re going to do next,” Burgueño recalls. “He’s participating successfully and the fact that it’s through an academic activity is a huge win.”

While the camp focuses on mathematical modeling, students are learning to trust their own thinking. “They are smart, brilliant and creative,” Jung said, “I’m committed to creating a classroom where students know they are valued and that their ideas matter.”

By connecting research, teaching and community partnership, this program is expanding how students prepare to solve today’s challenges and shape how education evolves for future learners.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.