The Math Fair for Seattle Elementary Schools is a project co-sponsored by 
the National Science Foundation, the Department of Mathematics at the UW and the local store “Math & Stuff”. Further local support for the Wedgwood Math Fair comes from Ms. Gallardo, our teachers and the PTA. The goal of this project is to bring mathematics closer to home for the families & students in Seattle Public Schools. Our main motivation is to promote mathematics as a fun activity in which all kids are encouraged to participate.
How does this work at Wedgwood? For four weeks our students play math games with a group that includes faculty members and graduate students from the UW Mathematics department and several UW undergraduates majoring in the Mathematical Sciences. February 8 &15 we spent about 45 minutes playing math games with grades 1-5. Students begin with 5-10 minutes of instruction on about 6 different games, and then choose which games they want to play. On average each students plays 2 games per session. We encourage them to think about what are good and bad moves, and why. This is a fun way to learn problem solving skills as well as sample strategy, memory, sequencing and geometry (construction) games. Last session a group of third graders built an intricate nested building using Zome tools. These tools (consisting of rods and nodes which fit together) are not just a children’s toy but are also a tool used by mathematicians to help them visualize abstract geometric objects.
In the remaining two sessions 1–5 grade students will get a chance to play new games (purchased by the PTA) and some old favorites. Be sure to ask your children what games they have played and whether they have enjoyed them.
Also, please join us for Math Fair on March 8th from 6:00 – 7:30pm in the cafeteria. Pizza will be available starting at 5:30 and “Math & Stuff” will be there after 6pm offering many of the games for sale.
We would like to thank all the teachers for their support, and the kids for their genuine enthusiasm. If you have any questions please feel free to contact either Ms. Gallardo or Tatiana Toro, toro@math.washington.edu
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