Students to have field day with math
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Approximately 70 eighth grade students from Wainwright Middle School in Lafayette and Benton Central Junior High in Benton County will take a break from the classroom on Wednesday (Nov. 15) for Purdue's first Math Field Day.The event, sponsored by the Purdue Mathematics Education Club, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Purdue Armory. It is free and open to the public.
Steve Warner, club president, said Math Field Day is designed to be an enrichment activity that promotes reasoning, communication and teamwork for students enrolled in algebra.
"The concept was developed by the Mathematics Education Club students who wanted to show middle school students that mathematics is practical and fun," Warner said.
During Math Field Day, the students will work in teams on hands-on mathematics activities. Events will include "Campus Slope," through which students will use the mathematical definition of slope to locate landmarks on Purdue’s campus, and "What’s my Density?," through which students will determine the density of different objects connecting mathematics and science.
"The activities are designed to stress math concepts, problem solving skills, and teamwork," Warner said.
Math Field Day is supported by a Student Grant for Community Service/Service Learning Project from the Purdue Office of Engagement, the Department of Mathematics and College of Science K-12 Outreach.
"Math Field Day is a great opportunity to see middle school students engaged in exciting and challenging mathematics activities," said Bill Walker, director for College of Science K-12 Outreach. "It is also a great service leaning opportunity for the members of the Mathematics Education Club. As future mathematics teachers, the Mathematics Education Club students are getting practical experience in creating engaging mathematics lessons and working with middle school students."
Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Bill Walker (765) 494-5890, wswalker@purdue.edu
Steve Warner, (810) 625-5904, warner3@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to cover any portion of Math Field Day. Awards will be presented at 1 p.m. To obtain a complete itinerary, contact Bill Walker at (765) 494-5890, wswalker@purdue.edu or Steve Warner at (810) 625-5904, warner3@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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