Connecting Mathematics with World Heritage

Although social studies or language arts classes may offer more natural settings for "global studies," the author's students have engaged in projects demonstrating that mathematical topics can work well at furthering the goal of increasing students' cultural literacy. The author describes one project here, where students working in groups use trigonometry, Google Earth™, and Google Maps™ to design walking tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Project work involving mathematics and using twenty-first-century skills (collaboration, communication, information skills, global awareness) helps prepare students for a diverse workplace. These projects count as a win for everyone.