Albert G. Prodell Middle School eighth-grade students recently welcomed Mr. Mark Love, a traffic engineer based in New Hampshire. Mr. Love brought his expertise and enthusiasm to the math classrooms, turning complex concepts into engaging, real-world applications.

As a professional in traffic engineering, Mr. Love shared insights into the challenges and intricacies of designing safe and efficient traffic systems. The highlight of his visit was a series of interactive activities that tasked students with creating their own solutions for optimizing traffic signals at intersections.

Mr. Love showed students how math plays such a critical role in solving everyday problems. He challenged them to think like engineers and consider the safety and flow of traffic when designing signals.

The activities combined geometry, algebra and logic to simulate real-world scenarios. Students worked in teams, analyzing traffic patterns, calculating timing for signals, and considering vehicle safety. Mr. Love guided them through the decision-making process, encouraging creativity and critical thinking.

“Traffic engineering is all about using data and math to make roads safer for everyone,” Mr. Love said. “It’s rewarding to share this with students and show them how the math they’re learning today can have a big impact on their communities.”

Teachers were equally thrilled with the visit.

“Mr. Love’s activities brought math to life for our students,” said Lynn Losquadro “It’s not every day that they get to see how what they’re learning in the classroom connects to real-world careers.”

The visit left a lasting impression on students, sparking curiosity and excitement about potential careers in STEM fields. Thanks to Mark Love’s visit, these learners have gained a deeper understanding of the critical role math plays in shaping the world around them.