Math

Mathematics Problem Solving Competition Details

A. Submission Guidelines:

1. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to 4 students: one individual/team per grade level, per school.

2. Student submissions may be on paper, on a poster, or use video or audio recording. If the submission is electronic, please submit it to themjames54@gmail.com by March 25, 4:00 pm in order to check the compatibility of the submission.

3. Clearly indicate the student name(s), the teacher’s name and the grade level of the student(s) on the submission.

4. Entries must be delivered as follows:

• • • Electronic submissions (videos) by email to - Jim Richards at: themjames54@gmail.com by March 25, 2020. These projects will be displayed via laptop (provided) on the day of the Expo.

    • Paper or Poster submissions must be delivered to Main Street Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds between 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on March 26th, 2020.

B. Judging (Students compete within their own grade level. Awards will be given for each grade level)

1. Judging will take place on Friday, March 27th (closed to public) and winners will be announced at the STEAM Expo on Saturday, March 28th, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds Awards Ceremony from 2:00-3:00pm. Students are welcome to make arrangements to attend the STEAM Expo when the winners are announced if they would like, but this is not required.

2. Students are welcome and encouraged to present their projects to fellow students, parents, teachers and community members from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2020 when the Expo is open to the public. Attendees would love to hear about the projects and the thinking behind the math solutions!

3. Student Entries will be awarded points on the basis of the quality of their solution process and the clarity of their explanations—not on the basis of the method the student chooses to communicate the solution process. There is no advantage given to students that provide a video of them speaking and presenting their solution over those students who submit solutions on paper or a poster.

Criteria that will be used to award points include:

• • • Reasoning is fully explained and justified and in context.

    • Both the solution method and answer are correct.

    • The explanation of the process used to determine the solution is complete and well documented—the explanation might include words, calculations, diagrams or any other material needed to fully communicate the process. There is a logical progression of ideas made to reach a conclusion.

    • Thoughts and calculations are fully explained so the reader (or viewer) can understand the student thought process.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Richards at: themjames54@gmail.com