Maths Magic

The application of mathematical abilities in modern work, and the importance of strongly grounding students in the principles of the subject, will be the focus of a Mathematics Awareness Campaign this month. Science, as a related subject, will also be a part of the programme of activities. All government schools will be involved, and private schools have also been invited to participate.
The events will begin next week with a fun and educational two-part Maths Competition. Maths Part One will begin at 9:00am on Tuesday, 7 February, for junior students; and on Wednesday the 8th at 11:00am for senior students. Both of these events will be held at the John Gray High School's Library, and will entail individual and group computation and problem solving tasks. The Cayman Brac competition on the same days will be held at the Teachers' Centre.

Part Two of the Maths Competition will be held on February 21 & 22, in the form of an oral maths competition. The Fidelity Group of Companies is again sponsoring this year's Students Maths Competitions.
Dr. Desiree Charles, government's Education Officer - Mathematics, is spearheading the project. She said that this special effort to increase interest and involvement of students, parents and teachers in mathematics activities is an annual part of the Education Department's curriculum.
School teachers and students are also now enjoying lessons and fun learning activities as they work on their mathematics and science projects. These will be displayed at the mathematics and science exhibitions. The first of these exhibitions will be held on Friday and Saturday (February 9 & 10), from 9am to 4pm at the Aston Rutty Centre, Cayman Brac.
Grand Cayman's Maths and Science Exhibition will take place during February 20-24.
These activities will culminate with the National Mathematics Day observance on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac on Friday, 24 February.
Plans are also underway for Grand Cayman's Mathematics Fair the following day, Saturday, 25 February, at the Mary Miller Hall, adjacent to the Lighthouse School in Red Bay. Activities during these days will include free maths t-shirts for all students, refreshments, maths quizzes, learning experiences prizes, supermarket give-a-ways and airline tickets.
During classroom lessons, students are being encouraged to explore a range of activities: from designing clothes and art projects, to maths competitions and exploring the application of work in various areas of life and work.
Whle much of the focus is on children, adult involvement in the effort to instil quantifying skills is also a priority. Two special maths conferences will also take place earlier in the month for the benefit of teachers and parents, featuring talks by a visiting expert mathematician. A teachers' lecture will be held on Monday, 13 February, at Prospect Primary School's Hall at 4:40pm. There is a fee of $25.

Parents will benefit from a second stimulating conference which takes place the following day, Tuesday, 14 February, at the George Hicks High School, starting at 6:00pm. There is a $10 admission cost for attendees.
For more information on this Mathematics Awareness Campaign, or any maths-related issue, please contact Dr. Charles at the Education Department, 945-1199.
For further information contact