CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN JAPAN
Christian
Academy
in Japan
Growing in Grace & Truth:
Insights from the Math Department

“Mathematics is the language with which God wrote the Universe.”
– Galileo Galilei (
Italian astronomer & physicist (1564 - 1642)

Colossians 1:16 (NIV)
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things have been created through him and for him.

The remarkable thing about mathematics is that there is no human invention or endeavor (economics, business, engineering, etc.) that mathematics cannot explain.  Mathematics explains all the invisible laws of physics and substantiates everything that is in nature.  It reflects the inherent qualities of our Creator.  It exists independently from human thought.   

Mathematics is all about truth.  Yet, truth alone, for the sake of knowledge, is useless. This year’s theme, “growing in grace and truth” perfectly reflects this concept.  At CAJ, our students are not only training to become critical thinkers, but also faithful caretakers that look for ways to help those in need.  Math enables them to impact Japan and the world as Christ’s disciples were charged:  “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received, so freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Students are encouraged to connect mathematical thinking and reason with real-world situations.  It is exciting to observe awestruck students uncovering patterns in God’s creation.  At the elementary school level, students focus on developing number sense and producing numerical representations for the world around them.  Rigorous middle and high school math programs present students with engaging challenges, nurturing minds that can pose new questions.  Students explore algebra, geometry, applied math, advanced algebra, pre-calculus, statistics, along with differential and integral calculus.  

Beyond accumulating knowledge, our teachers are eager to share the joy of discovery with students as they take ownership of their learning.  Interesting and engaging mathematics problems may come in different shapes and forms. Robotics is one example in which students can apply their mathematical thinking to come up with real-world solutions in technology and engineering. Students have the opportunity to learn by doing research, gather data with hands-on activities, arrive at conclusions based on their shared discoveries while running into the possibility of failing.  By this, we look to ignite and foster students’ scientific competencies to meet the challenges of the 21st-Century.

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About the Author

Yujiro Fujiwara has been teaching at CAJ for 13 years, math for the past 7 years.  As the Math Department Chair, he has the privilege of working with a group of great teachers that are passionate about math education and proactively look for ways to guide each and every student.


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