The 10th annual High School Mathematics and Science Challenge at SUNY Fredonia will bring together more than 200 competitors from regional high schools on Friday, May 21. 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. Prizes will be awarded by the SUNY Fredonia Mathematical Sciences Department.
Students who are competing come from schools in Eden, Falconer, Fredonia, Frewsburg, Forestville, Gowanda, Jasper-Troupsburg, Lake Shore, North Collins, Orchard Park, Palmyra-Macedon, Panama, Pioneer, Southwestern, and West Seneca.
This year's theme is "I Heart 90s", a tribute to '90's pop-culture. Events include "90210" (students have to recreate the famous Beverly Hills ZIP code using various mathematical operations), "Wide Right and No Goal" (students design the ultimate trophy case as they reflect on the ups and downs of Buffalo sports in the '90s), "Tetris-Geometry Challenge", "The Rise and Fall of Boy Bands", "Richard Simmons' Celebrity Fit Club", "Rock Band -- Paleo Edition", and the multi-challenge "I Love the '90s Math Skills Competition" (including "Hammer Time," "Saved by the Bell Challenge," and the ever-popular dance-off)
“The event is a celebration of Western New York’s greatest resource: its students,” Professor Keary Howard of SUNY Fredonia said "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.
