March 22, 2016

SIU to host annual Math Field Day competition

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Young mathematicians from throughout the area will once again travel to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for a day of competitions and camaraderie. 

The annual Math Field Day competition is set for Tuesday, March 29, at the SIU Arena. Organizers expect students from about 50 schools in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee to attend and compete for scholarships and prizes. A maximum of 36 students per school – nine from each grade – may compete. 

The event, which includes a comprehensive test designed, presented and scored by Department of Mathematics faculty, kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until noon. Organizers will present awards beginning at 2 p.m. that day. 

Prizes include an academic scholarship for the highest scoring junior who plans to major in a science field. The Partial Tuition Waiver Award is once again offered by the College of Science at SIU and is valued at up to $4,000 over four years. 

Top scoring student teams also will receive trophies or ribbons in three divisions based on school enrollment size. Students also can win certificates for individual accomplishments in each academic division. 

SIU also will host a math teachers program during the event. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Roger and Sally Tedrick Auditorium at the SIU Arena.  A luncheon for sophomores and juniors is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Old National Bank Saluki Lounge at the arena. 

For more information, contact Kathy Pericak-Spector, professor of mathematics and chair of the event, a 618/453-6569 or mathfd@siu.edu