  Aversion to mathematics is a recognised and widespread problem. Following a
review of the literature on this subject, this paper presents an education
program which has been developed to test the hypothesis that transferring
attention from traditional school arithmetic to a broad range of mathematical
skills relevant to modern science at an early age (ages 7-12) will improve
students' attitudes to mathematics, reduce the incidence of maths anxiety and
prepare students for topics normally introduced at more senior levels. The
program entitled Maths for Einstein's Universe includes five modules covering
extreme numbers, estimation, probability, vectors and curved space geometry
taught through group activities, games and plays. The modules complement
appropriate early learning of modern physical concepts from the subatomic world
to cosmology. While connected to science, the program aims to provide meaning
and comprehension for socially relevant topics from national budgets to
pandemics and opinion polls. The program has been trialled in multiple short
workshops and extended learning programs as well as training programs for
school teachers. Analysis of knowledge and attitude tests and questionnaires
from about 170 participants demonstrate strong student enthusiasm and positive
learning outcomes in areas normally considered beyond the ability of students
in this age group. Trial results were used to identify strategies for enhancing
school mathematics based on creation of stronger links between mathematics and
science. We summarise results of pilot trials. In the paper we present the
results of learning powers of ten and vectors. In total, around 700
participants have trialled Maths Einstein's Universe with nearly 200 hours of
teaching for students and teachers.
