During the past couple of weeks, problem solving has become all the rage in the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools. That can only mean one thing: Math Relays is just around the corner.
On March 7, KCKPS will hold its 11th annual Math Relays event, bringing together elementary, middle and high school students for a day of individual and team problem solving that challenges their minds and advances their math skills.
This year, an estimated 1,100-plus students are anticipated to take part in the event, which will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Wyandotte High School.
In Math Relays, secondary students will compete in four major strands: algebra, geometry, number concepts, and statistics and probability. A Sigma category also exists for students who want to compete in all strands.
And this year, a new Team Problem Solving category has been added. It will group six students together to use mathematical reasoning to arrive at a solution to a given problem. Teams will be judged on their ability to communicate their mathematical reasoning and explain why their solution is the “best” answer.
At the elementary level, students will all compete as teams working on project-oriented problems. This year a total of 24 elementary teams will take part. Last year the district piloted the event to 4th and 5th graders from a small number of buildings to gauge their interest and it was a hit, a spokesman said. Some of last year’s 4th graders are returning as 5th graders this year and the anticipation has been building all year, according to staff.
Math Relays will close with an awards ceremony beginning at 12:10 p.m. for elementary competitors, and 1 p.m. for secondary competitors.
In between math competitions, students will have an opportunity to participate in a college fair provided by the Kansas Enrichment Network.
Tables will be set up in the social hall and representatives from area colleges will be available to answer questions and pass out materials and information. The idea is to link students to businesses and post-secondary degrees that have a math component or focus. For some students, it is their first exposure to college.
– Story from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools