Introduction
The event Grth sundem tedyouth 2011, held on 19 November 2011, brought together some of the most creative minds to inspire young people. Among the speakers was Garth Sundem, a mathematician known for using math to answer quirky everyday questions.
In this full-informative article we’ll explore: his background, the talk he gave at TEDYouth 2011, the context of the event, the key take-aways and why his message still matters today.
1. Who is Garth Sundem?
Garth Sundem is a mathematician and author who specialises in making mathematics fun and applicable to everyday life. He uses puzzles, formulas and entertaining scenarios to help people think differently about numbers and decisions.
Some key details:
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He has written and published work that explores “practical intelligence” by applying mathematical thinking to real-life decisions.
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His style is accessible: rather than abstract theorems, he poses questions like “Should you study or goof off?” or “What are the odds of success when asking someone out?”
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One of his well-known public talks is “How to defeat a dragon with math” where he uses a mythical scenario to illustrate real math concepts.
Thus, Sundem bridges the gap between the academic world of mathematics and real, everyday curiosity.
2. The significance of TEDYouth 2011
The event TEDYouth 2011 was the first of its kind by the organisation TED Conferences LLC aimed specifically at young people (grades 6-12).
Key points about TEDYouth 2011:
- Theme: “Play, Learn, Build and Share” – emphasising creativity, experimentation and empowering youth.
- Location: Manhattan, TimesCenter, New York.
- Free attendance for ~300 students in the local grades.
- A lineup of 20 speakers who came from diverse fields – from ocean exploration to spoken word poetry to robotics and mathematics. Sundem was one of those speakers.
In short, the event gave a platform for young learners to see role-models who use curiosity, design, science, math and art. Sundem’s inclusion shows how mathematics was a key part of inspiring young people to think about possibilities.
3. Sundem’s talk: “How to Defeat a Dragon with Math”
In his talk (available via TED) Sundem uses the whimsical scenario of a dragon attacking your kingdom to illustrate how mathematics and logical reasoning can be applied to tricky problems.
Here are some highlights and what makes it effective:
- He frames a story-based scenario: you have a kingdom, a dragon, you need to decide how to allocate your limited resources. This engages the audience.
- He then shows how applying mathematical thinking (probability, ratios, optimization) helps you make better decisions rather than acting purely by emotion.
- He uses everyday analogies: the same kind of reasoning used for “should I study or should I goof off” can apply to this extreme metaphor.
- The takeaway: Math is not just for tests or textbooks — it can be a fun tool for critical thinking, problem-solving and exploring possibilities.
By framing it in a fun, accessible way, Sundem helps demystify math and encourages students to use math confidently.
4. Key Lessons and Takeaways
From Sundem’s presentation and his style, here are several key lessons that both students and educators can take away:
1. Math is a tool, not just a subject.
Sundem emphasises that mathematics can help you ask the right questions (“What are my options?”, “What are the odds?”) and find solutions rather than simply memorising formulas.
2. Storytelling enhances understanding.
By using the “dragon” scenario, Sundem connects abstract concepts to narrative, making the learning memorable.
3. Every decision can benefit from analysis.
Whether it’s deciding to study or goof-off, or facing a “dragon”, asking: what are the inputs? what are the constraints? what’s the best strategy? helps.
4. Curiosity matters.
Sundem’s approach shows that asking unusual, fun questions (“What if we had to defeat a dragon?”) leads to deeper thinking and innovation.
5. Youth empowerment through knowledge.
At an event aimed at young people, Sundem’s message says: you can use math, you should ask big questions, you can build big ideas even if you’re young.
5. Why It Still Matters Today
Even though TEDYouth 2011 took place over a decade ago, Sundem’s talk and his message have ongoing relevance:
- In a world increasingly driven by data, probability, algorithms and decision-making, the ability to use mathematical thinking is more important than ever.
- Youth programmes and educational efforts continue to emphasise interdisciplinary learning — combining math with storytelling, design, science and technology. Sundem’s style matches this trend.
- Encouraging students to play, learn, build and share (the TEDYouth theme) is still central in education today — especially in STEM and STEAM initiatives.
- For educators: Sundem’s approach offers a model for how to engage students in math by making it relatable, fun and connected to life-skills.
In essence: Sundem’s talk is not just about math; it’s about mindset, creativity and problem-solving, which are timeless.
6. How You Can Apply the Message
Here are some practical ways you (or students you mentor) can apply the message from Sundem’s talk:
- Frame daily decisions as problems to solve: For example, planning how to use your time this week can be seen as allocating “resources” — time, energy, focus.
- Use playful scenarios: Even if you’re studying something serious, you can ask “What if…?” questions to make learning less routine and more imaginative.
- Ask “What are my constraints?” “What are my options?”: This method works in math, life, planning, career.
- Make math more visible in life: Rather than seeing math only in a textbook, try to spot it: percentages, probabilities, optimisations, patterns.
- Share your thinking: One of the TEDYouth themes is share — explaining your reasoning to others, discussing your decisions, collaborating on solving problems.
- Stay curious: Encourage yourself to ask questions that others might think weird — “What happens if…?” or “Could I model this with math?” — because that’s how learning deepens.
Conclusion
The presence of Garth Sundem at TEDYouth 2011 illustrates how mathematics can be transformed into a creative, everyday-relevant, and inspirational tool for young minds. His talk “How to defeat a dragon with math” invites us all to think differently, to ask bold questions, and to apply logic and creativity in tandem. The event’s theme — Play, Learn, Build and Share — aligns perfectly with his message, and it’s a model worth revisiting for educators, students and curious thinkers alike.
