Math Competition Draws More than 400 Middle/High School Students

Event Builds Enthusiasm for STEM Fields

Each year, middle and high school students from across Texas and nearby states descend on the University of Houston to test their math skills in a competitive environment. The 11^th Annual Mathematics Contest, held January 30, drew more than 400 students representing 71 public, private or home schools

“The Department of Mathematics looks forward to this event and to the enthusiasm the students and their teachers bring to the competition,” said Jeff Morgan, associate provost of education innovation and technology and professor of mathematics.

The competition includes eight individual exams covering Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Physics and Calculator Use. Teams of up to four students can also enter the team project by completing an assignment given out the week prior to the contest.

By far the most entertaining event is the “Smackdown,” a fast-paced competition covering Algebra I and II and Geometry. In a test of speed and accuracy, students have 30 seconds to solve multiple-choice problems projected on the auditorium screens. When time is called, contestants hold up color-coded cards designating whether the answer is A, B, C or D. With each question, the pool of contestants gets smaller and smaller until first and second place winners are determined.

Trophies are awarded for individual exams, team projects and the Smackdown. Impressive sweepstakes trophies go to the three schools accumulating the best overall performance.

Participating Districts/Organizations

Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics