Local students compete in GVSU math tournament

More than 70 local middle and high school students put their mathematical prowess to the test as they competed against each other during the 4th annual Math-Team-Matics competition at Grand Valley.

During the November 5 event, hosted by the Mathematics Department and Regional Math and Science Center, 14 teams of students from nine West Michigan schools competed in multiple contests involving content from K-8 mathematics, high school algebra and high school geometry.

City High School and City Middle School, both located in Grand Rapids, captured the top prizes in their respective divisions.

This year’s competition included a team challenge with students working in teams of five to solve a mathematical problem, individual tests, a team problem-solving relay race and a bracket-style quiz bowl.

Chelsea Ridge, Regional Math and Science Center math program coordinator, said that this competition is unique since it is predominately planned and coordinated by Grand Valley students from the Mathematics Department who have an interest in education.

This year's competition marked Nicholas Schweitzer's second year serving as a Math-Team-Matics student coordinator. He explained that he wants to provide young mathematicians with educational opportunities he didn't have in grade school.

"This competition allows students to dig deep into a subject they enjoy in order to solve some really neat and brilliant problems," said Schweitzer, a senior majoring in mathematics and education. "It is inspiring to see students be hungry to engage in the tasks and work together as a team to solve problems that get them talking about in-depth math that is really beyond their years."

Fore more information about Math-Team-Matics, visit the Regional Math and Science Center website, or contact Chelsea Ridge at [email protected] or (616) 331-3172.