The 80s come alive in annual High School Math/Science Challenge

Team from Pioneer Central School works on a problem in 2008 This year’s participating high schools include Andover, Depew, East Aurora, Eden, Falconer, Forestville, Frewsburg, Gowanda, Lakeshore, Lockport, Panama, Pioneer, Southwestern, Springville, and West Seneca.

SUNY Fredonia will once again welcome approximately 300 students from high schools throughout western New York on Thursday, May 21, to compete in the ninth annual High School Mathematics and Science Challenge. The competition requires students to use their classroom knowledge of mathematics and science and apply it first-hand in order to succeed in various events.

This year, students from 15 different high schools will compete in numerous 1980s-themed events, including such icons from the era as “big” hair, Rubik’s Cube, and the oft-parodied hit TV show, “MacGyver.” Events have also been inspired by famous 80s pop music singles, including “Let’s Get Physiological, a tribute to Olivia Newton-John’s chart-topping “Let’s Get Physical.” Similarly, “Jenny’s Number” pays homage to one-hit wonder Tommy Tutone, as contestants compete to mathematically produce 8,675,309 (a.k.a., phone number 867-5309) in the fastest time possible. The half-day event will conclude with an awards ceremony in Steele Hall.

“A highlighted engineering event includes a MacGyver version of ‘Will it Float,’” said Dr. Keary Howard, associate professor of mathematics education. “Each team receives a set of secret yet common materials and is required to create a boat that will transport its cargo of copper pennies. The pennies are earned by solving a variety of math and science questions.”

Teams will rotate among four events every 20 minutes, and math questions serve as the gateway to a physical challenge with a specific 80s twist. “For example, your math score will get you to the semifinals of our 80s Dance Off,” Dr. Howard explained. “Similarly, your team math results will determine how many sides you must complete in our Rubik's Cube Challenge or what materials you can gather in our Big Hair Challenge.”

This year’s participating high schools include Andover, Depew, East Aurora, Eden, Falconer, Forestville, Frewsburg, Gowanda, Lakeshore, Lockport, Panama, Pioneer, Southwestern, Springville, and West Seneca. The event continues to grow in popularity and has come a long way from the turnout at first Fredonia Math/Science challenge: 12 students from two area schools.

“The event is a celebration of Western New York’s greatest resource: its students,” Howard added. "We gather some of the best and brightest juniors and seniors and turn them loose on a variety of science, math and engineering projects. The events advocate teamwork and innovative problem solving abilities — precisely the skills these students will take to colleges all over the country. Each year, we’re impressed with what these students can do when under pressure and high standards are demanded.”

SUNY Fredonia’s Department of Mathematical Sciences helps prepare students for the lifelong study and use of mathematics. Its courses are designed to develop mathematical thinking and communication skills. The program also sharpens students’ abilities in quantitative and logical reasoning needed for informed citizenship and productive employment.