March 15, 2018
Math Field Day lets young mathematicians compete for scholarships and prizes
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Young mathematicians from two states will once again travel to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for day of competitions, comradery and achievement.
The annual Math Field Day competition is set for Tuesday, March 20, at the SIU Arena. Organizers expect students from about 40 schools in Illinois and Missouri to attend and compete for scholarships and prizes.
A maximum of 36 students per school – nine from each grade – may participate.
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 at the arena beginning at 2 p.m.
Prizes include an academic scholarship for the highest-scoring junior who plans to major in a science field. The Pfeffer Scholarship Award is offered through the College of Science at SIU and is valued at up to $4,000 over four years.
Top-scoring student teams 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 will host a program for math teachers during the event, as well. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Roger and Sally Tedrick Auditorium, Boydston Center room 189, at the SIU Arena. The program features a talk by David Kammler, professor emeritus and mathematics distinguished teacher.
A luncheon for sophomores and juniors is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. in the First Mid Bank Saluki Lounge, room 30 at the arena.
For more information, contact co-chairs Kathy Pericak-Spector, retired professor of mathematics, or Ron Nagrodski, senior mathematics lecturer, at 618/453-5302 or mathfd@siu.edu.