November 6, 2008

Math Field Day to provide formula for fun

Math Field Day will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Purdue Armory. Approximately 100 eighth-graders from Benton Central Junior High School, Wainwright Middle School, St. James Lutheran School and Tecumseh Junior High School in Lafayette will participate in hands-on activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Aaron Strand, club president, said Math Field Day is designed to promote reasoning, communication and teamwork for students enrolled in algebra classes.

"We want to give K-12 students an opportunity to experience mathematics in a fun and practical way," Strand said. "The events are designed to stress mathematical concepts, reasoning, problem-solving skills and teamwork."

"Math Field Day is a great opportunity to see middle school students engaged in exciting and challenging mathematics activities," said Jerry Woodward, mathematics K-12 outreach coordinator. "It is also a great service-learning opportunity for the members of the Mathematics Education Club. As future mathematics teachers, students in the club are getting practical experience in designing creative, standards-based lessons and working with middle school students."

One of the most popular exercises is the Bone Activity, in which students will use statistics and measurements of each other's bones to predict a person’s height. A new event is The Restaurant, in which students will use algebraic problem solving to figure sales tax, tips and coupon discounts.

Awards will be presented at 1 p.m. For a complete schedule, contact Woodward at (765) 494-9578, jwoodwar@purdue.edu, or Strand at ajstrand@purdue.edu.

Math Field Day is supported by the I-STEM Resource Network, Department of Mathematics, the College of Science K-12 Outreach Program and a student grant for a community service/service-learning project from the Purdue Office of Engagement.

The I-STEM Resource Network is a partnership of Indiana’s public and private institutions of higher education, K-12 schools, business, and government.  It supports K–12 teachers and leaders working to implement high academic standards towards STEM literacy for all students.  It also provides Indiana education leaders with new knowledge about teaching and learning.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Jerry Woodward, (765) 494-9578, jwoodwar@purdue.edu

Aaron Strand, (765) 491-9989, ajstrand@purdue.edu

William Walker, College of Science director of outreach, (765) 494-5890, wswalker@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: The media are invited to cover any of the Math Field Day events. For a complete schedule, contact Marydell Forbes, Purdue News Service, at (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page