Think of a contest with only number questions – exactly the concept behind “MathCOUNTS,” a nationwide competition with local finals taking place this weekend.
On Saturday, February 4, dozens of middle school students will converge at Maplewood Elementary (4751 SE 24 St., Ocala). Kick-off is at 9AM, with team competitions starting at 12:15PM. This year’s Marion County contestants include students from Belleview, Fort King, Howard, Lake Weir, North Marion, and Osceola Middle schools; Fort McCoy and Horizon Academy combination schools; and Blessed Trinity and Grace Schools.
The Florida Engineering Society, Forest Chapter sponsors MathCOUNTS, and Tillman & Associates Engineering coordinates the event. Students compete head-to-head and as teams against each other. The object? To solve math equations and word problems most accurately in the shortest time span.
MathCOUNTS consists of five timed rounds: Spirit Round (individual students), Target Round (individual students with calculators), Team Round, Cipher Match (fast-paced oral competition), and Countdown Round (ranks top 10 finalists in oral competition). Best photo opportunities take place during these final two rounds starting at 12:15PM.
Prizes go to the top two teams and four individuals, who then advance to the statewide MathCOUNTS competition in Orlando on March 30. Winners at the state level then advance to the national MathCOUNTS contest, also in Orlando, on May 11.
For more information, contact Chris Hanes (member of the 1992 district champion team from Osceola Middle) at 352.236.0591. You may also log on to www.MathCOUNTS.org for additional details.
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