March 05, 2019

2019 Math Field Day sets new prizes, events

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. — New activities will greet young mathematicians from two states who 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 March 19, 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, nine per grade from each school, may compete.

The event, which includes a comprehensive test designed, presented and scored by faculty in the mathematics degree program, kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until noon. Organizers will present awards at the arena beginning at 2 p.m.

New for 2019!

This year, a variety of SIU workshops will be offered for students between 12:30 and 2 p.m. After a pizza lunch, students will participate in two workshops provided by SIU faculty and graduate student at various campus locations.

Also new this year, officials will award $75 and $50, respectively, for first- and second-place finishers in each grade level.

Teachers program, trophies and ribbons on tap

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 is set for 10 a.m. in the Roger & Sally Tedrick Auditorium, Boydston Center Room 189, at the SIU Arena. This year’s program is a virtual reality workshop  presented by Harvey Henson, assistant professor in the curriculum and instruction degree program and interim director of SIU’s STEM Education Research Center; Carl Spezia, associate professor of technology; and Valerie Rasp, assistant dear for recruitment and retention.

For more information, contact co-chairs Kathy Pericak-Spector, retired professor of mathematics, or Ron Nagrodski, senior lecturer in the mathematics degree program, at 618/453-5302 or mathfd@siu.edu.