New mathematics was an educational movement during the late 1950's and the 1960's that attempted to change the teaching of mathematics in the United States. The growth of space exploration, computer technology, and other scientific fields had created a need for better training in mathematics. To meet this need, several independent groups of mathematicians and educators in the United States tried to design better math curriculums. Their general goals were to modernize course content, give students a deeper understanding of mathematical principles, and encourage creative problem solving.