On Thursday, October 12, 97 high school students from 14 high schools competed in the Dordt University Math Challenge. Students tested their mathematical creativity with novel problems on two exams. They also engaged in breakout sessions and mathematical games that were led by Dordt mathematics and statistics professors with assistance from 13 undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors.
On Thursday, October 12, 97 high school students from 14 high schools competed in the Dordt University Math Challenge.
Students tested their mathematical creativity with novel problems on two exams. They also engaged in breakout sessions and mathematical games that were led by Dordt mathematics and statistics professors with assistance from 13 undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors.
During the breakout sessions, some students explored problems themed around patterns of hopping frogs and toads, while others unraveled the mysteries of mobius strips. Across campus, other students tried their wits against the game of Nim, while another group competed to see who could figure out whodunit first in a mathematical murder mystery.
Another group learned to hang portraits in such a way that if a single nail were to fall, the whole thing would come with it. Finally, several students found how projective geometry could be used to create their own games of Spot It! The rain did not dissuade students from touring Dordt’s campus as well.
“Part of Dordt’s mission is to equip the broader community so we are called to bring the joy of God’s gift of mathematics to area high school students,” says Dr. Tom Clark, chair of the Mathematics and Statistics Department at Dordt. “We can help them realize how creative mathematical problem solving can be and experience the breadth of mathematics. The event also gives our math-education majors a chance to interact with students and develop as teachers in training. All in all, it’s our hope that these students come away thinking that Dordt is a place where they will find a meaningful challenge and be supported for success.”
Participating Schools:
Individual Results:
Eleventh grade:
Twelfth grade:
Team Results:
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
The community is invited to the flute and piccolo recital of Dordt University senior Kayla Vande Zande. The free recital will be held on Friday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.
Dordt University will partner with Geneva College of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to give students a head start on earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Courses that students take as part of Geneva’s Social Services major may be eligible for credit at Dordt toward an MSW.
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