Math Field Day highlights the fun behind numbers
11-26-2012
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Two young mathematicians concentrate during an algebra relay game at the 2012 Math Field Day.
About 150 Greater Lafayette eighth graders got to participate in the fun side of math at the 2012 Purdue Math Field Day.
The young mathematicians were put on teams and played 12 different games, testing their knowledge on algebra, geometry, statistics, physics, measurement and more Nov. 13 in the Purdue Armory.
Purdue University student volunteers created the games with the Indiana Academic Math Standards in mind. Two Purdue students led each game while teams of five or six boys and girls tried to outdo the other team.
The students, culled from Wainwright, Benton Central and Tecumseh middle schools, were divided into black and gold teams. Winners were chosen from best points overall for black or gold and there was an honor for the highest scoring individual team. Points were awarded for finding the solution the fastest as well as using teamwork well.
The amount of middle school students was more than double from 2011’s number of 70.
Most of the Purdue student volunteers were Mathematics Education majors. The event helped the children explore the fun side of math while the Purdue students gained experience interacting with middle school students.


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