THUNDER BAY - There were many hurdles to overcome for some very talented young minds facing off in a local competition, but these had nothing to do with sprinting or jumping, well at least not entirely.
Grade 6, 7, and 8 students tackled math problems, algorithms, strategy games, and relays during the Math Olympics at Superior C.V.I on Saturday.
More than 165 students from local schools competed, hoping to earn a chance to represent Northwestern Ontario at the Ontario Math Olympics being held this June at Sheridan College in Oakville.
This year, four students earned the top individual prize and will be representing the Northwestern Ontario Association of Math Educators during the provincial competition.
One of the winners this year was MacKenna Cameron, a Grade 8 student at Bishop E. Q. Jennings School.
“It was surprising,” MacKenna said of learning she won the gold medal for the girls in the Grade 8 class. “I didn’t think I could do it.”
MacKenna competed in the local Math Olympics last year, but this year, with a little more experience behind her, didn’t feel quite as challenging.
“I felt it was easier than last year,” she said. “I felt like I knew more theorems and equations and how to solve them and that helped a lot.”
Simone Poling, chairperson of the Northwestern Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators, said the students learn a lot of valuable lessons participating in the annual event, including problem solving, working together, showing initiative, and taking on leadership roles.
But beyond the lessons in math and problem solving, students also take away an important lesson of belonging.
“One of the biggest things that most kids enjoy the most is not only do they love math, but they recognize that there is a large number of people who love math and doing mathematical activities,” Poling said.
“A lot of children call from smaller schools and they might be one of three or four who love math but they come here and see 170 other kids and feel like they are part of a community. They learn that they are not on their own.”
Poling added that a lot of participating students continue with math in high school and post-secondary education.
“I think this encourages that idea that this is something that is continuous, that it is something people will continue and reflect on,” she said.
And while winning a gold medal is something to be excited about, taking on a difficult problem and finding the right solution can be its own reward.
“I like the challenging part of it,” MacKenna said. “It feels good when you get the right answer when you have a tough question.”
