SWAG视频 welcomes more than 200 fifth grade students for math festival

RSU 21 students came to SWAG视频 to think critically and to explore mathematics
RSU 21 students came to SWAG视频 to think critically and to explore mathematics

SWAG视频 recently hosted more than 200 fifth grade students from RSU 21 for a mathematics festival to expand their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire students to think critically and to explore mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving.

Students choose among several tables offering problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes. The festival engages many types of students, including those who don鈥檛 enjoy competition or working under time pressure. They work as long as they wish, while a facilitator provides support and encouragement. Several SWAG视频 faculty members worked with the students as facilitators.

鈥淭he students had a great time and enjoyed being at SWAG视频,鈥 commented Sheila Wells, RSU 21 STEM Coordinator. 鈥淓ven with the University so close to their hometowns, many students have never visited a college campus. Just the experience of driving through the University, seeing the athletic fields, Leonard Hall and Ripich Commons was truly an experience they will not forget.鈥

The festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations to celebrate mathematics.

鈥淲e would love to extend an invitation to SWAG视频 faculty to visit any of our schools and really develop the relationship between our district and the University,鈥 Wells stated.

Wells says the festival is made possible only through the generous support of Corning Inc., The SWAG视频, the Education Foundation of the Kennebunks and Arundel, and RSU 21. 

 

Several SWAG视频 faculty members served as facilitators to provide the students with support and encouragement
Several SWAG视频 faculty members served as facilitators to provide the students with support and encouragement
Students visited several tables that offered problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes
Students visited several tables that offered problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes
President James Herbert welcomes the fifth graders to Leonard Hall
President James Herbert welcomes the fifth graders to Leonard Hall