Math Day is a Washburn tradition dating back to 1969. On the first Tuesday in November each year, high school students from all over northeast Kansas come to Washburn to compete in a 40-question competitive mathematics exam. Meanwhile, the teachers accompanying the students have a meeting including discussion of current issues of importance to mathematics educators and/or participate in activities ready for the mathematics classroom.
After lunch is served, everyone has the opportunity to explore the campus, with tours of campus landmarks such as the Mulvane Art Museum, Mabee Library, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and the Living Learning Center. In addition, the Chemistry Department offers a demonstration of some of their instruments for students interested in science.
In the afternoon, there is an awards ceremony honoring the students’ achievements. The top three individual scorers in the Senior and Non-Senior categories all receive medals, and the top three scorers from each school receive ribbons. Plaques are also awarded to the top team in each of the 1A-2A-3A, 4A, and 5A-6A classifications, and to the top overall scorer. To add to the fun, there are also raffles for both the students and the teachers with mathematically oriented prizes.
See the winners of the most recent Math Day!
Two previous Math Day Exams are available:
For more information on Math Day, contact Dr. Jennifer Wagner at (785)670-3224 or e-mail at jennifer.wagner1@washburn.edu