Why Should Discrete Mathematics be Part of the K-12 Curriculum?

• Discrete mathematics is widely used.
• It has many practical and relevant applications, particularly in the technological and information sciences.
• Applications that students will encounter in their careers will involve the use of discrete mathematics.
• As informed citizens and consumers, students should become aware of problems that discrete mathematics can help solve.
• It provides ready answers to the question that students repeatedly ask about mathematics: "When am I ever going to use this?"


• Problems in discrete mathematics can be introduced without much preparation.
  • It can be used to provide students with a different view of mathematics, one where big ideas are discussed and where creativity is exercised.
  • It is an arena where mathematical modeling is easily understood.
  • For those students who have not been successful in mathematics, discrete mathematics offers a "new start"
    • It provides mathematical topics that do not have algebraic skills as a prerequisite, but that rely mainly on reasoning and problem solving.
    • For these students, discrete mathematics offers an arena where they can be successful in mathematics without realizing that they are doing mathematics.
    • Enrichment through discrete mathematics has perhaps more potential than repeated remediation.


• Problems in discrete mathematics are engaging
  • They are engaging because they are more visual than computational, more geometric than algebraic, and they often have a puzzle-like quality.
  • Discrete mathematics provides an opportunity for students to enjoy mathematics again.
  • Students find discrete mathematics challenging because, while many problems in discrete mathematics are easily stated, they are often not easy to solve.


• Discrete mathematics is a vehicle for giving K-8 teachers a new way to think about traditional mathematical topics and a new strategy for engaging their students in the study of mathematics.
  • Through discrete mathematics, K-8 teachers can come to understand mathematics as problem-solving and reasoning, not just as computation.
  • Through discrete mathematics, K-8 teachers can come to recognize that they can be successful at mathematics, and that all of their students can also be successful at mathematics.