Math Opportunities

Students of Mathematics experience only a small subset of the wonder of mathematics by taking standard courses. There is so much more. Mathematical extra-curricular events allow students to explore areas of math other than the traditional algebra/geometry sequence and to experience a greater range of problem-solving than a limited-scope high school class can present.

ALABAMA STATEWIDE MATH COMPETITION

The Alabama Statewide Math Competition is sponsored by the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM) and by the Alabama Association of College Teachers of Mathematics (AACTM), and coordinated by the University of North Alabama. The contest promotes interest in mathematics and recognizes the state's top students and math programs. Round I of the competition is a written assessment based on the student's current course. Round II is an invitation-only round consisting of individual ciphering challenges. Additional information and tests from prior years are available at mcis.jsu.edu/mathcontest/. MCPS has been invited to Round II for the past six years, finishing in the top 10 of the state in 2016 and placing several individuals in the top 25 in the state this year.

Open to: All interested students; Round I is required for Math Honor students

Registration: Through your math teacher in early January, or see Dr. Davis directly.

Event date: Round I - Saturday, typically in Feb; Round II - a Saturday in March or April, TBD

Event location: Round I - AUM; Round II - University of North Alabama (If the student earns a Round II spot, we encourage them to compete in Round II.)

Cost: Round I - $10 per person; Round II - Money for snacks and meals while traveling

AMC 10/12

The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) is sponsored internationally by the Mathematical Association of America. Students are presented with 25 problems to solve of varying complexity. Some problems can be solved by using techniques taught in class, but most are easier solved by intuitive insight into the basic structure of the problem. Most problems may solved in more than one way, allowing for creativity and ingenuity. The high scorer for each grade is recognized at the Awards Ceremony in May. More information on the AMC 10 and 12 is available at www.maa.org/math-competitions. In 2017, almost 1/2 of the school participated in the AMC, and in 2018 roughly 100 participated.

Open to: All interested students. (All math honor students compete.)

Registration: Through your math teacher in August/September or see Mr. John Petters directly in September.

Event date: AMC 10 - Wednesday, Feb 7, 2018; AMC 12 - Wednesday, Feb 7, 2018

Event location: At school

Cost: The cost is covered by fees collected at registration.

AMC MATH MADNESS LEAGUE

Math Madness is a 6th-year math league sponsored by Interstellar and the Mathematical Association of America; the MAA also organizes the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). MCPS was one the only school in central Alabama, and one of the few in Alabama, to participate in the league's first two seasons. Beginning in late September, the MCPS team participates weekly in Internet-based 30-minute competitions against schools from around the country. Winning schools will move on to an NCAA-Basketball-Style playoff bracket in December.

Open to: All students with priority given to upper level and Honors Math students

Registration: Through Mrs. Walski in September

Event date: Season start TBD, Fall (typically it requires 40 mins every Thursday during tutorials when the season is underway).

Event location: At school

Cost: Free, MCPS is again covering the cost of this activity

AMP'D MATH PUZZLE CHALLENGE

AMP'd is a mathematical puzzle challenge sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach Department of Auburn University. Students work in teams of 7 to solve a set of challenging and fun puzzles. More than just math, the challenge requires innovation, creativity, and ingenuity. Students describe AMP'd as the most fun of all of the math-related events. The past two years we were permitted only two teams, one Varsity team of juniors and seniors and one Junior Varsity team of freshmen and sophomores. [http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/outreach/programs/AMPd/AMPd%20High%20School/index.htm].