It may be hard to comprehend that solving mathematical problems is fun and enjoyable. However, that was exactly what young mathematicians from Mudgee, Lue, Hargraves, Gulgong, Wellington and Dubbo love to do.
Twenty one teams of students from schools in the region, each team consisting of four members, participated in the second annual Mudgee Mathematical Minds (M3) challenge, organised by Mudgee Rotary. The event took place on Tuesday 17th of October 2017, at St Matthews, Mudgee.
The students were challenged on a number of categories of problems, to test their analytical skills and ability to think outside the square. Team work was an important aspect of the challenge as the students need to communicate, exchange ideas and work as a group. There was also a set of problems to test their individual skills.
The proceeding began with team registrations and morning tea, followed by three sessions of problem solving at various stations. At each station, students tackled geometry, real life, logic and other mathematical problems. After that, refreshment of BBQ lunch, fruits and drinks were provided, while a team of Mudgee Rotarians and teachers were busy scoring the papers.
The last session took place after lunch followed by presentation of trophies and awards. This year, students from across all schools surprised the judges with the manner in which they approached the problems and individual performances that carry their team to a high level.
The young mathematicians also shared the humorous side of their personalities by giving answers that sent the room roaring with laughter when read out by Rotarian Chris Stephens, during presentation.
Thanks to generous donations from the sponsors, Moolarben Coal, Kepco, Peabody and the Rotary Clubs of Mudgee and Mudgee Sunrise, a prize pool was distributed to schools to help with their mathematics enhancement program and purchase of resources. St Matthews provided the venue, while mathematics teachers Kristine Blake and Catherine Dewar coordinated the event.
“Today, I am impressed with students from across the board, they demonstrated their analytical skills and ability to visualise problems from various angles. These skills are useful in day to day life – the Maths challenge is a small stop in their whole life, they have a long way to go yet. For life is the best university”, said Sof Lee.