Grade School Girls Use Math Creatively at Woodlands Academy Event
Nearly 50 6th and 7th grade girls from eight area schools put their math skills to the test in creative, problem-solving ways during Mathalon at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest Nov. 1.
This joint venture of the math and admission departments saw participation from the following schools - each sending one or two three-member teams:
• East Lake Academy
• Lake Bluff Middle School
• Lake Forest Country Day School
• Sacred Heart Sheridan Road
• School of St. Mary
• Our Lady of Humility
• Quest Academy
• Learn Charter
First place honors went to Quest Academy/Team 2. Also receiving a team plaque and individual medals were 2nd place School of St. Mary/Team 1 and 3rd place Lake Bluff Middle School/Team 2.
The members of 4th place Our Lade of Humility/Team 2 and 5th place Quest Academy/Team 1 received individual medals for their achievements.
Rocco Gargiulo, Woodlands Academy Mathematics Department chair, said the teams tackled eight events, none of which were rote paper and pencil drills, with Woodlands students serving as their guides and cheerleaders. "These events were hands-on cooperative activities that engaged students to use mathematics in creative, problem solving ways. The events involved mathematical computation, estimation, visual/spacial reasoning, logic and the use of technology," he added.
Woodlands Academy is a Catholic day and boarding college-preparatory high school for young women in grades nine through 12 that promotes academic, artistic and athletic excellence along with global awareness, social responsibility and strong faith. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries.
According to the National Coalition of Girls' Schools, all-girls' schools lead the way in graduating women who become our nation's scientists, doctors, engineers, designers and inventors. Research shows that girls' school graduates are more likely to consider majoring in math, science and technology and also are more likely to consider engineering careers compared to girls who attend coed schools.
This is the third time Woodlands Academy has hosted Mathalon.