CMU Math Club Hosts the 26th Annual Math Extravaganza
On Monday, March 4, nearly 200 high school students from Mesa County Valley School District 51 as well students from Delta and Montrose visited Colorado Mesa University’s campus to attend the 26th Annual Math Extravaganza.
Math Extravaganza is organized by CMU Math Club and aims to engage high school students from across the region, providing them with a unique opportunity to delve into the realms of mathematics, statistics and computer science. The day was filled with interactive activities led by CMU students, offering a hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
“The event gives high schoolers a chance to interact with fun and interesting mathematics that they wouldn’t normally see. By being exposed to this sort of math taught by their peers (not just faculty members), and seeing their peers excited about mathematics, high schoolers can learn that mathematics is fun and engaging. Several current math students at CMU once participated in Math Extravaganza during their high school years, highlighting the impact this event can have on high school students,” said Math Club Advisor and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Megan Wendler, PhD.
The event featured three distinct activity stations, covering game design, the Euclidean algorithm and discrete natural disasters. The day's highlights included a special welcome address by CMU President Marshall and a keynote presentation by Assistant Professor Ana Berrizberitia, PhD, on the mathematics of juggling.
While the event primarily involved CMU students, it was not limited to math majors. Six dedicated students, including four math majors, one computer science major, and one environmental science and technology major, lead the various stations. Additionally, volunteers from across campus assisted at the activity stations.
Wendler added that the day was a dynamic and intellectually stimulating day for all participants.
