Hundreds of math-savvy teens will compete Saturday, Feb. 8, during the ninth annual
University of Houston (UH) Mathematics Contest. The event is free to participants
and open to students through grade 12.
The organizers expect a turn out of 600 contestants from nearly 50 schools to test
their mettle in math and vie for awards and prizes. While onsite registration is available
the day of the competition, students can sign up in advance at http://mathcontest.uh.edu/.
“We look forward to this contest each year. There are many talented students who come
from hundreds of miles away to compete, and we are so thankful for their enthusiasm
and their teachers’ support,” said Jeff Morgan, associate provost of education innovation
and technology. “The university sponsors this event and many other STEM outreach activities
each year. In addition to allowing us to be a resource to the community, it’s a way
to showcase UH to hundreds of top-achieving students.”
From 9 to 11:30 a.m., students will take individual exams in algebra I and II, geometry,
pre-calculus, calculus, physics, statistics and calculator usage. Following the sit-down
exams, the students break for an animated, lunchtime competition at 11:45 a.m., called
the Quick-Click Smack Down. This interactive lightning round gives students only seconds
to click in their answers to a series of math problems in a game show style setting.
In the “smack down,” competitors are gradually eliminated until the one with the fastest
mind and nimblest fingers is left standing.
The event is capped off by a 1 p.m. awards ceremony, where trophies are awarded for
individual exams, team projects and overall school performance. The top-performing
student will receive a $200 cash award. Door prizes include gift certificates, iTunes
gift cards, calculators and contest T-shirts. This year, Morgan says, teachers also
will have a chance to win a weekend stay at a nice area hotel.
WHO:
Middle and High School Students
WHAT:
Ninth Annual UH Math Contest
WHEN:
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8
9 a.m. to 11:30 – Sit-down exams
11:45 a.m. – Quick-Click Smack Down
1 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
WHERE:
University of Houston
Science and Engineering Classroom building, room 100
Off Cullen Boulevard, Entrance 14
Map: http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/SEC.php
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