6Milestones aims to utilise recreational mathematics as a non-formal pedagogical approach to cultivate key competencies and citizenship skills in secondary school teachers and students. Students experienced a decline in STEM educational achievements and performance across Europe, as highlighted by the 2022 PISA survey (OECD, 2023). In response to this challenge, the project aims to enhance experiential and collaborative learning for students and practical advice for teachers.

While the history of science is commonly integrated into European education systems (EC, 2022), there exists a notable gap in the treatment of the history of mathematics within official curricula. Addressing this discrepancy, the 6Milestones project explores six seminal works of Classical Mathematics, such as Greek Anthology and Liber Abaci by Fibonacci, offering valuable insights into mathematical principles and their sociocultural context (Slisko, 2020). However, their utilization in teaching has often been sporadic rather than part of a cohesive educational framework (Chorlay et al., 2022).

Among these works, the Rhind Papyrus, Arithmetica, and Propositions ad Acuendos Juvenes by Alcuin reflect the cultural dynamics of mathematics while also emerging as key pillars of mathematical tradition, housing a diverse range of recreational problems, puzzles, games, and riddles that span across centuries. A good example is the famous problem 79 from the Rhind Papyrus, involving geometric progressions and their relevance to everyday life.

The 6Milestones project is committed to rejuvenating this rich tradition, ensuring that educators and students alike can appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in recreational mathematics, ultimately inspiring students to discern the underlying logic of mathematical concepts (Desai et al., 2021). This is also relevant to engaging students, especially girls, in STEM-related subjects and mathematical-oriented career pathways (Perry, 2022).

Research suggests that interactive learning methods, such as hands-on activities, increase engagement, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking skills (Khalid et al., 2020; Nurjanah et al., 2021). By incorporating physical and digital exhibits based on historical mathematical texts, the project aims to provide students with opportunities for deeper exploration of mathematical concepts in a dynamic and interactive environment (Cevikbas & Kaiser, 2022).

Additionally, the project prioritizes teachers’ professional development, enabling them to expand their perceptions of implementing historical mathematics in secondary education. Enhancing teachers’ pedagogical skills also underscores the applicability of recreational mathematics in everyday life, enriching the overall learning experience for students (Bakker et al., 2021). Through 6Milestones, students and educators will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics while promoting active engagement and participation in STEM education.

Objectives:
6Milestones is dedicated to uncovering and revitalising important historical works in mathematics, integrating them into today’s secondary school curriculum. Through the creation of user-friendly outputs and digital tools rooted in the rich cultural legacy of mathematics, the project aims to encourage collaborative learning among students and offer practical support to teachers, thereby making STEM education more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for all learners.

Implementation:
WP2 will produce an E-Book highlighting fundamental concepts from six key works in the History of Mathematics, exploring their mathematical and sociocultural significance. WP3 develops innovative exhibits incorporating museum-style learning in the context of school settings to engage students in enjoyable activities and digitally transform classrooms. WP4 promotes educators’ professional growth and equips them with the knowledge for using historical math texts for an enriching learning experience.

Results:
The project will result in the creation of an E-Book and hands-on digital exhibits based on historical mathematical texts that bring new ways of developing knowledge and competencies in mathematics. Following the engagement and feedback of teachers and students, 6Milestones will create a series of workshops and an Instructional KIT containing a replicable methodology that will be publicly accessible to anyone who is interested in incorporating mathematical topics into engaging exhibits.