What is the MaPP Challenge?
The Mathematical Puzzle Program (MaPP) Challenge is a team-based mathematical puzzle competition for high school students held at multiple college campuses across the country. Unlike most math competitions, MaPP Challenge doesn’t require any knowledge beyond basic algebra and rewards players’ problem-solving ability over their previous mathematical background.
This year we will have a special guest, Dr. Steven Clontz is a mathematician, professor, and puzzle designer based out of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. His puzzles and games have been published in print, featured at such venues as the National Museum of Mathematics, and included in MaPP Challenge events across the country. His research specializes in the intersection of topology and game theory, and his work also contributes to the cyber infrastructure of mathematics research and education. Dr. Clontz uses active learning techniques such as Inquiry-Based and Team-Based Learning in his classrooms to allow his students discover mathematics for themselves.
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 11:00 Registration, 11:30 AM – 3:15 PM for the event
Registration deadline Friday, February 16, 2024
Registration page: https://sites.google.com/view/uncamapp/home
Math
MaPP’s mathematical content is pulled from various areas unrepresented in the usual secondary curriculum, such as design theory, game theory, or topology.
Puzzles
MaPP shredded the multiple choice tests, and instead designed several mathematical puzzles which will give your students a taste of real mathematical problem solving, and prepare them for the types of questions asked in many job interviews.
Team-building
MaPP HSC is a team-based competition, emphasizing collaboration and communication over individual work, as teamwork is crucial for success in both industry and academia.
Fun!
These challenges won’t all be solved sitting down – players will find themselves running around campus to track down clues and uncover new puzzles to solve.
Teaser Puzzle
Download and solve the teaser puzzle to try your hand at our mathematical challenges!
Schedule for the day
11 am – Registration
11:30 am – Orientation
11:45-2:45 – Puzzles & Pizza
2:45-3:15 – Closing
Why should my school participate?
In addition to being a lot of fun, MaPP has designed its events to fit the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice:
Successful players will…
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Want More Information?
See our FAQ page or contact Julia Webster, jwebste2@unca.edu