Math Fun for Lower School Students

And the answer is… (shh, we won’t give away any of the answers!)

Once again this school year, as they have been for more than 10 years, Lower School students are invited to solve intriguing and fun math problems and puzzles. At the beginning of each week, students can find three new challenges HERE designed by our Lower School math specialists, Jonathan and Kate.

As the challenges are designed, there is a theme for the week and then challenges created at three different levels of sophistication (1 star to 3 star). In general, 1-star is aimed at K–1st graders, 2-star is aimed at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, and 3-star is aimed at 3rd and 4th graders.   However, everyone is welcome to try any of the challenge levels. For younger students, these challenges are also an opportunity for adults (parents and caregivers) to engage in mathematics with their children together.

When asked why they feel it is so important for students to keep their math skills sharp, Jonathan and Kate had the answer!

“Actually, when we design and think about the Math Challenges this isn’t our primary question,” they explained. “We see the Math Challenges as much more of an enrichment opportunity and exposure to the expanse and richness of the world of mathematical thinking.”

These include interesting logic puzzles in the realm of recreational math (such as sudoku and hidato puzzles), problem solving situations connected to the mathematics of everyday life (such as apple-picking or trips to the beach), the mathematics embedded in culture and celebrations (such as last year’s challenges about the kolam designs of Diwali celebrations), as well as sets and attributes, visual patterns, and shape relationships.

“Our hope is that opening these opportunities in a variety of math situations serves to broaden students’ understanding of mathematics,” the math specialists said.

Students can find more information and print out the Math Challenges. Printed copies will also be available on the 6th and 7th floors of the Lower School. Students can return their completed work to the Math Challenges Envelope outside of the Lower School Math Cave office.