Math at Eagle Rock School: Are Elections Fair? Exploring the Mathematics of Voting Systems

Eagle Rock School (ERS) continues to push the boundaries of education with its latest offering: Are Elections Fair? Exploring the Mathematics of Voting Systems. This innovative math course challenges students to explore the intersection of mathematics, politics, and social justice. Created by Michael Rose, our Math Instruction Specialist, the course was inspired by current events and seeks to engage students of all skill levels in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Without traditional prerequisites or grade levels, this class is open to all ERS students, providing multiple entry points for learners, regardless of their math background. The course aims not only to build mathematical skills but to empower students to use those skills in understanding and shaping the world around them.

Examining Voting Systems and Election Fairness

The first half of the ten-week course focuses on understanding the structure of elections and voting systems, both in the U.S. and abroad. Students will dive into concepts such as the Electoral College, polling, voter suppression, and the mathematics behind statistical methods used in election predictions. With the 2024 general election happening midway through the course, the timing offers a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to real-time events.

By analyzing historical accounts of inequity in electoral systems, students will tackle critical questions like: Is the Electoral College fair? Does every vote count equally? How do power dynamics and resource allocation affect election outcomes? These discussions are tied directly to math, enabling students to see how geometry, statistics, and models can uncover deeper truths about electoral fairness.

Throughout this portion of the class, students will work towards making their own predictions about the upcoming election, grappling with the real-world implications of voter disenfranchisement and gerrymandering. By the end of the first five weeks, they will have developed the skills to understand not only how elections function but also how they can be improved.

Hands-On Learning and Building Equitable Models

As students move into the second half of the course, the focus shifts toward creating and evaluating voting systems. A live election watch party on November 5 will allow the students to analyze the election results in real-time. They’ll also lead live polling on campus, teaching their classmates the mathematics behind election results. 

In this stage, students will explore how different voting systems across the globe, such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation, may lead to more equitable outcomes. Using real-world data from the U.S. election, they’ll develop their own models to test whether alternative systems would yield fairer results. The course’s emphasis on mathematical literacy as a tool for social justice helps students understand how seemingly abstract concepts can have profound impacts on representation and equity in democratic systems.

To further solidify their understanding, students will present their findings to the ERS community during Presentations of Learning Week at the end of the trimester. They’ll demonstrate how the models they’ve built provide insight into election fairness and offer tangible solutions for improving voter representation.

Rebuilding Mathematical Identities

One of the unique aspects of this course is its focus on helping students build confidence in their math skills. Many come to ERS with math anxiety or negative past experiences in traditional math classrooms. This course, with its focus on real-world application and social justice, helps students rebuild their identities as mathematicians.

At Eagle Rock, every student has something valuable to contribute. The course encourages collaboration, allowing students to see the value in their classmates’ diverse perspectives and backgrounds. As they work through projects that intersect math and civic responsibility, they gain not only technical skills but also a sense of belonging in the world of mathematics.

Eagle Rock School’s Are Elections Fair? Exploring the Mathematics of Voting Systems is more than just a math class—it’s an invitation to engage with the world, ask tough questions, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about democracy and fairness. Through this course, students gain the tools to advocate for more equitable electoral practices, using mathematical reasoning as a force for change.

If you are passionate about math, social justice, or making a difference in your community, Eagle Rock School might be the place for you. Reach out to learn more today in joining a learning environment where critical thinking, hands-on projects, and civic responsibility come together to shape the leaders of tomorrow.