Often we mathematicians are inarticulate when challenged to explain why mathematics is such a critical aspect of K - 12 education today. We know it is, but are so involved in the subject that we have not looked at the broader perspective of the way in which mathematics actually interacts with today’s society. So what follows are some observations that may well be useful in this regard. It is strongly suggested that at a number of points in these courses for pre-service teachers, the instructor should take a few minutes to explain some of the (real) core applications of mathematics, so as to break the mind-set that mathematics.
