Every year, RIS hosts several mathematics competitions that allow students to demonstrate their passion for problem-solving. Having participated in these contests and being math enthusiasts, we wanted to promote interest in mathematics in students' everyday lives and prepare them for mathematics success in these competitions and beyond. We wanted to show that mathematics isn’t just about solving problems on paper but rather a vibrant process that we can enjoy every step of the way.
Our project began with a goal of infusing everyday student life with the magic of mathematics. However, we experienced struggles in the process. Initially, finding interested peers was tough, and being just students ourselves, we worried about gaps in our understanding that might mislead others. To tackle these issues, we expanded our campaign to people who signed up for mathematics competitions and any students in high school who would be interested in the group. Also, in preparation for each session, we delved into multiple resources, cross-referencing textbooks and online tutorials to ensure accuracy. We even held our “practice sessions” to experiment with different ways to present new concepts engagingly.
As our meetings and sessions unfolded, we had audiences from all high school grade levels. We discussed topics from algebra to number theory, and what started as instructional sessions morphed into collaborative explorations. Everyone who joined pitched in, sharing new formulas and insights into how they were derived, significantly transforming the project atmosphere. This was the impact that we truly hoped for to promote mathematics by showing its beauty to people.
This project fostered collaboration and leadership within the group and our participants. Working closely with our peers, we leveraged each other's strengths and expertise to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Through group discussions, problem-solving activities, and hands-on demonstrations, we ensured a supportive environment where everyone felt empowered to explore and engage with mathematics. Regarding leadership, we each stepped up to explain the concepts we understood well.
All in all, this project not only contributed to academic growth but also fostered a sense of friendship and shared interests in STEM within our school community. Reflecting on our journey, we’re gratified to see how this project has enriched our community’s perception of mathematics while promoting curiosity in a subject often perceived as complex and unapproachable.