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Adam D. Ma
Meet Adam, a 10-year-old math wizard, author and Youtuber for Bolton. In November 2020, Adam realised how many children were affected by maths phobia and food poverty. Determined to make a difference, Adam wrote a maths poem book to address both issues. ‘Cooking Algebra in a Pot’ introduces the fun side of maths, and aims to raise £104,000 to support disadvantaged children by providing 52,000 lunches of the Summer holiday.
Author and Youtuber
To help business become a force for good in a world that urgently needs radical change.
Bolton, UK
Can you give an introduction to yourself?
My name is Adam and I'm 10 years old. I'm the author of cooking algebra in a pot, which includes 10 maths poems, and shows the fun side of maths.
When did you start to get interested in maths and why?
I started to get interested in maths when I was six years old because my mum used to volunteer at many schools to help students with maths. When she explained to me how some students don't have access to support, I decided that I wanted to also help others learn maths by starting a YouTube channel. I launched this when I was 8-years-old and it’s called Adam Decodes Maths.
Why do you think kids struggle with maths?
I think children struggle with their maths because they have limited access to support which makes it harder for them to relate maths to daily life. Think about it, when a child wants to communicate at home, they use English. When they watch TV shows they acquire vocabulary. And when they read a book before they go to sleep, they learn new words. Whereas with Maths it has limited uses outside of school. Therefore it makes it a daunting subject for children.
What made you decide to write cooking algebra in a pot?
During the second UK lockdown, I was studying creative writing. I realised that I can help to show the fun side of maths through poetry. It took me about two months to write the book.
It started off as a poetry book, but now it’s so much more than that. Your goal is to help feed underprivileged children. How did that come about?
When I did some research on charities, I came across urban outreach. They were trying to deliver 52,000 lunches this Summer to children who rely on free school meals. I am lucky enough to have a kitchen full of food, but others aren’t as lucky as I am. I wanted to help make a difference to people's lives through raising £104,000 whilst also showing the fun side of maths.
Can you read out your favourite poem from the book?
Uncle John counts money. Uncle John comes money. Uncle John is touching funny. Uncle John comes money. Uncle John's favourite animal is a bunny. Uncle John comes money. Uncle John likes his pancakes with lemon and honey. Uncle John counts money. Uncle John always says hey, sonny. UncleJohn counts money. Uncle John likes a jelly Ronnie.
Where can we buy the book or donate to the cause?
You can buy the book or donate by heading to www.cookingalgebraforbolton.co.uk
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