Math Field Day

What is Math Field Day?  A competition in which students from many different schools complete various mathematics problems/tasks. These will be graded and prizes awarded.

 For the first time, our school will be participating in the competition.  This is voluntary – nobody will be forced to join. Think of this like a club.

What is the competition like?  The first and second rounds are the same: students work in groups of 4 on a problem set.  In the third round, students work individually to answer questions.

Sample Problem Please try these problems on a scratch piece of paper. These are real problems from the group part of an old Math Field Day.

Who should join?  Students who enjoy challenging themselves.  Most problems are not simple calculations but require multiple steps, concepts, and explanations.  Students who work well together.  Students are not only graded on if their answers are correct but on how well they were working together.  Students of all levels are welcome.

Why should you join?  You’ll get to learn more!  We’ll learn about many different types of math concepts, many of which we have not seen during class or more advanced versions of them. This gives you an advantage both this year and in future classes.  It looks great on college applications!  Colleges don’t just look at grades: they look at things you do outside of the classroom. Participating in academic events during your free time shows colleges that you’re a hard-working person.  It’s fun!  Honestly! I participated in Math Field Day back in the day when I was in middle school.

Commitments If you are interested, make sure you are able to attend the following:  There will be a practice competition on Saturday, March 14 th (Pi Day!). Everyone who wants to may participate (in groups of 4).  The real competition will be on Saturday, March 21 st. Only 6 students (one group of 4 and 2 alternates) are allowed per school.  If that team does well enough, the county- wide competition will be Saturday, April 25 th.

Commitments  Students who want to want to participate will also be expected to attend meetings once a week (either during lunch or for 30 minutes after school) in order to prepare for the competition.  The day/time of the meeting will be decided once I know who wants to participate and when everyone is available.

How to join / Questions?  Next class I will have those who are interested in joining fill out a Google Form saying what times they are available so we can set up our weekly meeting.  If you have any questions, feel free to raise your hand and ask now or talk to me later privately or by .

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