勛圖惇蹋 welcomes more than 200 fifth grade students for math festival

RSU 21 students came to 勛圖惇蹋 to think critically and to explore mathematics
RSU 21 students came to 勛圖惇蹋 to think critically and to explore mathematics

勛圖惇蹋 recently hosted more than 200 fifth grade students from RSU 21 for a mathematics festival to expand their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire students to think critically and to explore mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving.

Students choose among several tables offering problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes. The festival engages many types of students, including those who dont enjoy competition or working under time pressure. They work as long as they wish, while a facilitator provides support and encouragement. Several 勛圖惇蹋 faculty members worked with the students as facilitators.

The students had a great time and enjoyed being at UNE, commented Sheila Wells, RSU 21 STEM Coordinator. Even with the University so close to their hometowns, many students have never visited a college campus. Just the experience of driving through the University, seeing the athletic fields, Leonard Hall and Ripich Commons was truly an experience they will not forget.

The festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations to celebrate mathematics.

We would love to extend an invitation to 勛圖惇蹋 faculty to visit any of our schools and really develop the relationship between our district and the University, Wells stated.

Wells says the festival is made possible only through the generous support of Corning Inc., The 勛圖惇蹋, the Education Foundation of the Kennebunks and Arundel, and RSU 21. 

 

Several 勛圖惇蹋 faculty members served as facilitators to provide the students with support and encouragement
Several 勛圖惇蹋 faculty members served as facilitators to provide the students with support and encouragement
Students visited several tables that offered problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes
Students visited several tables that offered problem sets, games, or puzzles with mathematical themes
President James Herbert welcomes the fifth graders to Leonard Hall
President James Herbert welcomes the fifth graders to Leonard Hall